A call has been made by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Caricom Dr Amery Browne to further empower entrepreneurs and small businesses in Trinidad and Tobago.
During the Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago (HRMATT) C-Suite Chats at the Hyatt Regency on Wednesday, Browne noted that Trinidad and Tobago had a growing DJ industry, with many in the sector looking for international work. .
However, Browne said on a recent visit to a Chinese restaurant, he was approached by two local DJs who told him about their difficulties in securing foreign work permits.
“We have so many entrepreneurs and artists who … fly the flag for Trinidad and Tobago and this is another forum for us to further our brand to the world,” Browne said.
“This is something we are working to achieve… in close collaboration with the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, particularly in the North American markets. Diplomats will therefore be encouraged to engage in new skills and engage in more consultation with members of the diaspora…in order to facilitate contacts that will place…our commercial activity train and…our citizens in a stronger position in the international arena,” he said.
Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association president Jerome Precilla also expressed concern for the creative sector, saying it breaks his heart when popular artists are often forced to fork over small funds for medical expenses years after enjoying success with hit songs.
Precilla indicated that many local artists do not receive the support that international artists receive from their music labels and called for a similar support structure to be put in place here.
He also reiterated the reluctance of local banks to support his small business startups, the reason given being that they are too risky.
Also speaking at the conference was Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, who said that the creative sector is a critical sector in furthering the internationalization of goods and services produced in the country.
“This is a labor intensive sector and is significantly dependent on strong human resource capacity, skills and growth and will therefore require upskilling people and this must be fueled by expanding numbers and this is where many opportunities that require focus, “said Minister Gopee-Scoon.
And, HRMATT President Cavelle Joseph St Omer called for appropriate investment in technology to strengthen the available human capital instead of being a hindrance.
“Firms must also consider the strategic needs of the business overall and then provide the tools and resources that make sense to employees based on their respective job functions, location and needs,” added Omer.
