Kyle, a Trinidad native, is a tech enthusiast passionate about leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to create opportunities in the Caribbean. His journey began at university when he launched a platform allowing students to buy and sell items, earning up to $4,000 monthly from advertising. This sparked his interest in building scalable technology businesses.

Upon returning to Trinidad, Kyle co-founded First, a platform which Digicel invested $2 million however the business didn’t succeed. He views failure as a crucial part of the entrepreneurial journey. Learning from his setbacks, Kyle partnered with a Jamaican co-founder to create TechBeach Retreat, which has since grown into a global brand recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as a top event in Latin America.

TechBeach’s unique retreat-style events, offer a blend of technology discussions and relationship-building. The core focus is on technology’s cross-cutting impact across industries, with recent themes centered on artificial intelligence and the metaverse.

Kyle believes that while the Caribbean isn’t 20 years behind in technology, a significant challenge is the lack of internal competence within organizations and governments. This gap creates a fear of embracing innovation. The absence of an enabling environment stymies the growth of tech companies, limiting their potential to scale.

In addition to its signature events, TechBeach has expanded into education and investment, running accelerator programs to help tech founders learn key business skills. Kyle emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem for technology-driven businesses to thrive, combining investor support, talent development, and government backing.

He cites Estonia as a model for digital transformation, where the entire society is digitally savvy, from schoolchildren to the elderly and advocates for a cultural shift in the Caribbean, urging governments and organizations to prioritize technology education.

Looking ahead, Kyle stresses the need to embrace AI quickly and dreams of a future where technology skills are central to education and where the Caribbean can compete globally by leveraging its talent and resources. To achieve this, he believes in aggressive, all-encompassing education reforms, from workshops to full-scale digitization agendas.

Ultimately, Kyle’s vision is for the Caribbean to move beyond its current slow adoption and fully embrace the transformative power of technology.

The recent online discussion hosted by UWI’s Trade and Economics Department has added no clarity to the alarming comment by Economist Marla Dukharan that 25 billion U.S. dollars is missing or unaccounted for. I feel more confused by the fact that Dr. Terrence Farrell ended his participation in the conversation by acknowledging that Marla has identified an important issue regarding data collection and the accuracy of balance of payments reporting in Trinidad and Tobago. He commended her for bringing attention to this critical matter, as accurate and timely data is essential for effective policymaking. He then “pelted a big stone” by saying that her conclusions were somewhat sensational and led to unnecessary speculation. This is despite his earlier article stating “Marla was wrong,” a point he reiterated several times during his presentation.

What popped into my mind is a statement by former US President Harry Truman who said: “Give me a one-handed Economist. All my economists say ‘on ONE hand…’, then ‘but on the other…’”

So, Dr. Farrell is saying Marla’s analysis of the numbers is wrong, but she is right to bring this issue to our attention. Who is the one-handed economist who will explain to Trinidad and Tobago that the “loss” of over $2 billion U.S. dollars per year on average, which makes us rank the highest in the world per capita for this item, is nothing to worry about? Who is the one-handed economist who will explain how and why this issue has persisted since 2011?

Anyone employed by the government who defends it against criticism may not be perceived as fully independent. Dr. Farrell, despite being a former Central Bank Deputy Governor and former government policy advisor, (Chairman, The Economic Development Advisory Board) pointed out that there are issues with how the energy sector reports its data and expressed uncertainty about whether the Ministry of Energy has accurate numbers. This situation reflects potential challenges in policy and governance, particularly in managing the energy sector, which has been operating for over a century. If, after more than 100 years of exporting oil and gas, we still can’t get the numbers right, it raises serious questions about governance and where the responsibility lies.

The issue of large unexplained foreign exchange losses appears to have emerged around 2011, possibly linked to changes in the Balance of Payments methodology. If the adoption of a new Balance of Payments methodology in 2011 was the trigger for the massive unexplained hole of over USD 2 billion a year, a comparison of the methodologies used before and after 2011 might help clarify the discrepancies and explain the “errors and omissions” item in the data.

Will the Minister of Finance explain the foreign exchange gap so that the “person in the Maxi” will understand, or will he be speaking to the 15% of the population who actually have credit cards? Will Dr. Roger Hosein explain that this is not just a statistical irregularity but a significant economic problem that requires immediate and serious attention from the authorities? Or will Dr. Farrell return to the Central Bank and help them raise awareness of the problem and find ways to address it? He said that solving the problem would require cooperation from the business community and may involve leveraging data from commercial banks.

What am I, a person who failed economics, supposed to understand when he said that the USD25 billion in question is not actually missing but has already been spent and consumed when I can only get US$100 from the bank to leave this country? Spent on what and consumed by whom?

My takeaways from this 2-hour online conversation are that our country needs to strengthen the economic data infrastructure, promote transparency, and enhance collaboration between government institutions and the private sector. The “persons in the maxi” must be targeted to understand the state of our economy so that we can feel included in the issues that impact our daily lives.

Mr. Prime Minister, why engage Dr. Terrence Farrell if the recommendations are not considered?

In 2018, Dr. Terrence Farrell resigned as Chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), reportedly dissatisfied with the lack of progress made under his leadership. His departure signaled frustration with a system that appeared to resist meaningful change. Given this history, it was puzzling to see Dr. Farrell appointed to another committee, this time, focusing on constitutional reform. So, I was not surprised when I read recent headlines suggesting that the government is once again unwilling to embrace key recommendations from the team.

Your administration has dismissed two of the most significant recommendations from the committee, headed by Mr. Barry Sinanan SC and including Dr.Terrence Farrell as a committee member. Those recommendations are fixed election dates and proportional representation for general elections. This raises an important question: Why engage respected thought leaders if there is no intention of seriously considering their proposals?

The recommendation for fixed election dates is not just about predictability; it’s about fairness and transparency. I recall former Prime Minister Manning saying that he had the election date in his back pocket and the wash of objections that were experienced.

Fixed election dates would eliminate the strategic advantage currently held by sitting governments, which can call elections at times most favorable to them. By having a set date, all political parties would be on equal footing, and the electorate could plan and prepare for elections in a more structured manner. This could lead to a more informed and engaged citizenry, enhancing the democratic process. 

Proportional representation is another recommendation that has been rejected. This system aims to create a more accurate reflection of the electorate’s will in the composition of the Parliament. In the current first-past-the-post system, a party can secure a majority of seats without a majority of the popular vote, leading to a skewed representation. Proportional representation would ensure that smaller parties and minority groups have a voice in decision-making, fostering a more inclusive and balanced political environment.

Implementing social change requires more than appointing committees; it requires the political will to act on their recommendations. If the government is not willing to consider proposals like fixed election dates and proportional representation, then one must question the purpose of forming these committees in the first place. True reform requires a commitment to listening to expert advice and making decisions that may not always align with short-term political interests but serve the long-term good of the nation.

If the government continues disregarding the insights of our experts it risks perpetuating the issues these reforms seek to address. The people of Trinidad and Tobago deserve a government that is open to meaningful change, not one that merely pays lip service to the idea of reform.

Dr. Terrence Farrell, a respected economist, disagrees with Marla Dukharan’s claim that billions of US dollars are “missing” from Trinidad and Tobago. Dukharan posted a video stating that over the past 12 years, more than US$25 billion has disappeared from the country, making us the world’s biggest loser of foreign exchange.

Farrell argues that her analysis is flawed because the flow of money in and out of the country is complex. He points out that not all our earnings from oil and gas go through local banks, so they might not be properly accounted for. He also suggests that some of the “missing” money could be due to errors in how transactions are recorded.

Dukharan acknowledges that there may be some mistakes, but she remains concerned about the large amount of money—over US$2 billion each year—that isn’t being properly tracked. She believes it’s crucial to figure out where this money is going and why, so we can develop better policies to protect our economy.

The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) also weighed in, explaining that some of the confusion stems from errors and incomplete data, such as inaccurate tracking of how much people spend when they travel abroad and the low response rate from companies in their surveys.

But what is the average person supposed to take away from the conflicting perspectives of these two highly intelligent individuals, especially since the Central Bank has not offered much clarity on the issue? If data collection is the root of the problem, what steps are being taken to improve it? How is the CBTT enhancing its ability to track money flows?

Considering the past controversy where a former Central Bank Governor was reportedly fired after releasing the names of companies that purchased one-third of the foreign exchange over three years, one would expect greater efforts to encourage comprehensive data collection and transparency. How is it that the public remains unaware of where large sums of money, particularly from oil and gas exports, are coming from and where they are going? This is yet another sign of the lack of transparency in our financial systems.

If US$2 billion is indeed unaccounted for each year, then an independent audit or investigation should be conducted to uncover more details about these outflows. Understanding where this money is going could help shape better economic policies and safeguard the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

Instead of dismissing Marla Dukharan’s claims as “jackassness,” a responsible leader would have focussed on improving data collection, increasing transparency, and conducting an independent audit to get to the bottom of the issue. What we need are robust systems to enhance our economic policies and protect the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan, do you know Dr. Emru Millette? You recently said, “Unfortunately, in downtown Port of Spain and the western peninsula, no study was ever commissioned for those areas.” This is not true.

In the early 1980s, Dr. Emru Millette created a detailed drainage plan for Port of Spain. This study, commissioned to understand the city’s drainage and flooding issues, identified key problems with the infrastructure. Despite being paid for, the plan was ignored due to political reasons. Millette’s study showed that proper drainage systems were essential to prevent flooding. Because his recommendations were not followed, the city still faces flood problems today.

Evidence shows that Port of Spain’s drainage issues have existed for decades, even before the climate crisis. Two main sources—the Millette drainage plan and analyses by local engineers—show that poor infrastructure, not just climate change, is a major cause of the city’s frequent flooding.

A 2010 editorial in the Trinidad Guardian reported that Engineer Richard Saunders, then President of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago, called the Millette plan “excellent work” that is still relevant today. He noted that the report is updateable for current challenges but its basic insights are still valid. Winston Riley, then President of the Joint Consultative Council, agreed, saying the plan offers a good solution to the city’s drainage problems if updated for modern conditions.

Other engineers have also mentioned the Millette report over the years. They say it provides a strong foundation but needs modern updates to solve current problems.

Minister Sinanan, your claim that no studies have been done to analyze the flooding issues in Port of Spain is worrying. After nine years, if your government has not found these studies, it is time to rethink your approach to these important issues.

While it’s true that climate change is a factor in recent flooding, ignoring the infrastructure issues is a mistake. The Millette drainage plan and expert analyses show that Port of Spain’s flooding problems are deeply rooted in old infrastructure problems. Fixing these issues requires a comprehensive update of past recommendations and modern engineering solutions. Only by using this joint approach can the city effectively manage future flood risks.

Wheel and come again Minister Sinanan.

Woman … keep rising,” a powerful statement from a young male calypsonian during our 2024 season, serves as both a compliment and a call to action. Despite this inspiring message, a 2022 report by HRC Associates stated that only one in every five board directors is a woman. This statistic highlights the minimal presence of women in leadership roles in our country, underscoring the need for greater gender parity.

Women can play a role in reducing crime and violence in our country, but they must act.  Every criminal has significant women in their lives—a mother, partner, and sister—who could potentially influence their behavior. What prevents women from taking an active role in reducing crime? The sight of women mourning after violent incidents raises the question: why didn’t they intervene earlier? Addressing this issue requires deep reflection and societal support to empower women to take proactive measures.

The influence of women extends beyond crime to the realm of corruption. When men engage in corrupt activities, their mothers, partners, and sisters often remain silent. Why don’t these women emphasize the importance of integrity and the long-term harm corruption causes? Temporary financial gains from corruption are outweighed by the societal destruction it brings. Women must play a role in promoting honesty and integrity within their families and communities.

Data indicates that the public service sector has more women than men, presenting a unique opportunity for transformation. Women can lead by example, ensuring adherence to key performance indicators (KPIs) and improving public service delivery. The impact could be transformative if every woman in the public service arrived on time, served customers respectfully, and performed her duties diligently.

Why do women continue to take a back seat and observe societal destruction? The answer is complex, but it seems women have lost their voices and are content to follow instructions passively. The command-and-control management style inherited from colonial times, focused on income generation, persists post-independence and contributes to women’s passive acceptance of incompetence.

Shifting from a command-and-control leadership style to collaboration can significantly impact our society. Women have a critical role in this transformation. What will inspire women to take leadership and drive this change? This question needs urgent attention.

I began with the calypsonian’s quote, “Woman… keep rising.” Whether taken as a question or a compliment, it should be viewed as an instruction. Women, it is time to rise. Embrace leadership, influence positive change, and help transform our country. Let’s seize this moment to empower women and create a more equitable and just society.

In 1986, the public was absolutely discontented with the PNM after 30 years and sent a loud message by electing the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) formally launched one year before in 1985.

The NAR’s combination of broad appeal, effective leadership, and a compelling campaign led to a landslide victory in the 1986 general elections. The NAR won 33 of the 36 seats in the House of Representatives, effectively ending the PNM’s three-decade-long rule.

This victory marked a turning point in Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape, ushering in a period of political change and attempting to address the country’s economic and social issues.

Are the stars lining up again? Let’s come together to do what is necessary to transform our country. Our future depends on it.

It was Father’s Day, and we selected a woman’s team over the team led by a bold, innovative, and respectful male. Congratulations to Kamla Persad-Bissessar on her recent victory in the internal elections of the United National Congress (UNC).

This election outcome reflects a broader issue: a missed opportunity for transformative leadership in our country. It appears that we are content with the continued incompetence demonstrated by both the UNC and the People’s National Movement (PNM) over the past 14 years. If these internal elections are any indicator, it suggests a likelihood that the current Prime Minister will retain power in the next national elections. Our acceptance of the status quo, as implied by the popular saying “we like it so,” raises concerns about our political direction.

As someone in the later stages of life, it is tempting to heed the advice of the calypsonian Patrice Roberts and “drink water and mind my business.” Yet, this country has profoundly impacted my life, enabling me to rise from poverty to a nearly middle-class existence. Despite my achievements, the current state of the nation leaves me disheartened. I had hoped to leave a thriving country behind, but the present trajectory suggests otherwise.

To the younger generation: it’s crucial to move beyond fear and express your opinions on issues that can positively shape our country. Your voices are essential in driving change. For those with government contracts, it may seem risky to speak out, but prioritizing national interest over personal gain is important. Large companies, too, must recognize that the persistence of crime and incompetence will eventually erode their profitability.

Those of us interested in taking on the responsibility for transforming this country have a year to effect meaningful change. My hope is that within this period, a new party will emerge, led by a collaboration of young people and honest, experienced elders.  Our country needs an alternative to the PNM and the UNC. 

In 1986, the public was absolutely discontented with the PNM after 30 years and sent a loud message by electing the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) which was formally launched one year before in 1985.

The NAR’s combination of broad appeal, effective leadership, and a compelling campaign led to a landslide victory in the 1986 general elections. The NAR won 33 of the 36 seats in the House of Representatives, effectively ending the PNM’s three-decade-long rule.

This victory marked a turning point in Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape, ushering in a period of political change and attempting to address the economic and social issues facing the country.

Are the stars lining up again? Let’s come together to do what is necessary to transform our country. Our future depends on it.

For the past 14 years, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Dr. Keith Rowley have led us, but they haven’t been able to stop the rise in gun violence, crime, or the decline in our country. Their time in power has been marked by a lack of clear direction and failure to bring positive changes, leaving us with increasing violence and economic problems.

Looking back, there’s not much progress to celebrate. Instead, it’s alarming that around 6,000 people have been murdered over these 14 years, making our country one of the most dangerous in the world. With an average of 500 murders each year, many of us, both young and old, are wondering if we should stay here.

This reminds me of what calypsonian Luta (Morel Peters) sang in 1987: ‘If Trinidad ever needed you, is now.’ His song spoke about the issues of that time-lack of discipline, political corruption, and social decay.

The song’s chorus still rings true: ‘If Trinidad ever needed you, it’s now, it’s now Because our society is falling apart, falling apart There’s no discipline, respect, or love What I see is a failure to communicate If Trinidad ever needed you, it’s now, it’s now.’

Our nation has been stuck at those crossroads since before those lyrics were written-and we’re still standing there, so we urgently need change.

Members of the UNC have a chance to start this change by voting differently this weekend. They can choose new leaders and bring in fresh faces. If Rushton Paray and his brave team succeed, it could change how we approach the national elections in 2025. We could get a leadership team willing to take risks, focus on building the nation, and care for our people’s well-being.

The UNC’s internal election could mark the beginning of our country’s transformation as we gear up for the 2025 general election. Change won’t happen overnight, but we need leaders who believe in working together and are ready to make personal sacrifices for the common good.

If we select new and different leaders in 2025, together we can build a brighter future and restore our nation’s promise of safety, prosperity, and opportunities for all.