On September 1, 2024, Vashti Gaitri Guyadeen assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious business chamber. She is the youngest individual to hold this position in over a decade, marking a historic milestone for the organization. Her appointment signifies a bold new chapter for the Chamber as it seeks to navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Early Life and Influences

Born and raised in Marabella, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyadeen’s journey to leadership is rooted in her strong family values and commitment to excellence. She attended Naparima Girls’ High School, where her passion for history was sparked under the mentorship of her teacher, Joan Dinoo. She pursued higher education at the University of the West Indies (UWI), earning a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s in International Relations and History. Her academic pursuits were further complemented by studies at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business.

Guyadeen credits three key figures for shaping her career: her father, Ramnarine Guyadeen; her maternal grandfather, Boney Soman; and her first boss, former UWI Principal Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie. Her father’s advice that “your work is your contribution to God” profoundly influenced her ethos, instilling a relentless drive to excel and deliver meaningful impact in every endeavour.

A Visionary Career Path

Guyadeen’s career spans over two and a half decades, marked by transformative leadership across both public and private sectors. Her professional trajectory includes pivotal roles at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, the Economic Development Board, the Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Centre, and the Ministries of Energy and Public Administration. As CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI), she spearheaded innovative strategies that positioned the organization as a regional and global thought leader in the services sector.

Her contributions have been significant and diverse. In 2001, she developed the dataset that enabled Trinidad and Tobago’s inclusion in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. Later, as Research Manager at the Chamber, she conceptualized and produced the nation’s first centennial statistical digest on the energy sector. Her tenure at TTCSI was instrumental in launching Trinidad and Tobago’s first exporter services registry and portal, cementing her reputation as a champion for service export growth.

Championing Regional Development

Guyadeen’s influence extends far beyond Trinidad and Tobago. At the regional level, she has been at the forefront of positioning the Caribbean as a hub for knowledge-based services. Her efforts have not only rejuvenated the regional services agenda but have also gained international recognition for Caribbean service industries.

Additionally, her tenure at TTCSI saw groundbreaking partnerships, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Belize Coalition of Service Providers. This collaboration aimed to foster innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness within the regional services sector, enabling Caribbean firms to thrive on the global stage.

Vision for the Chamber

As CEO of the Chamber, Guyadeen envisions a transformative agenda focused on economic diversification and sustainable growth. Recognizing that the services sector accounted for over 85% of the national labour force in 2017 and contributed 58% to real GDP in 2018, she aims to unlock the untapped potential of service exports, which represented just 8% of export earnings in 2017. Her strategy involves building a robust manufacturing and services particularly knowledge-based services export framework and advocating for stronger policies to support firms entering international markets.

Guyadeen emphasizes that collaboration among businesses, government, and institutions will be critical to achieving these goals. She believes the Chamber has a pivotal role to play in preparing firms for global competitiveness and ensuring the business community is at the forefront of shaping the nation’s economic future.

A Global Ambassador

Beyond her contributions to the Chamber, Guyadeen serves as Trinidad and Tobago’s ambassador to the Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI). This role underscores her commitment to fostering leadership and collaboration within the African diaspora and beyond. Her advocacy for PALI’s initiatives and efforts to strengthen ties between communities globally highlight her dedication to driving inclusive and equitable development.

A Leader to Watch in 2025

Vashti Gaitri Guyadeen is poised to be one of the Caribbean’s most influential leaders in 2025. Her unique ability to navigate complex geopolitical and economic landscapes, coupled with her dedication to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, makes her a standout figure in the region. With a proven track record of revitalizing coalitions, driving service export growth, and crafting actionable solutions to economic challenges, Guyadeen embodies the forward-thinking leadership that the Caribbean needs to remain competitive in the global economy.

Her colleagues, including regional heavyweights in business and policy, have consistently lauded her strategic foresight and capacity to deliver impactful results. Guyadeen’s leadership style—anchored in ethics, hard work, and community service—sets her apart as a beacon of integrity and resilience in the regional business landscape.

Personal Philosophy and Legacy

Guyadeen’s leadership is deeply rooted in her faith and the principles instilled in her by her family. Guided by the Hindu concepts of dharma (duty) and seva (selfless service), she sees leadership as a moral obligation to serve her members and community. Her career is a testament to her commitment to transformative impact, driven by three guiding principles: dedication to hard work, a focus on adding value, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

As she takes on the challenges of leading the Chamber, Vashti Gaitri Guyadeen stands out not only as a leader to watch in 2025 but also as a trailblazer shaping the future of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region. Her journey is an inspiration to young professionals and a call to action for the business community to embrace bold, visionary leadership.