Mr. Ramkissoon is a leader who shapes trade and governance in Trinidad and Tobago, and has a strong passion for national service and entrepreneurship. He has been a Director at the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) since 2020 and currently serves as its youngest President.
Mr. Ramkissoon is a distinguished Attorney-At-Law, widely recognised for his proficiency in managing extensive corporate and financial transactions, alongside the precise conveyance of properties. After attaining his Law degree and Legal Practice in London, he returned to Trinidad and Tobago and was admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court of Judicature, having completed his conversion attachment at Pollonais, Blanc, de la Bastide and Jacelon. Thereafter, he joined New Wave Marketing- a speciality PVC pipes and fittings manufacturer as an Executive Director with a diverse portfolio in manufacturing, legal, exports and finance. His leadership and vision have been crucial in propelling the company’s expansion and success within a competitive market.
Mr. Ramkissoon brings together a holistic experience from both the private and public sectors. He previously served as Director at both the NIBTT and the TT Bureau of Standards, where he was pivotal in key decisions that drove growth.
To expand his legal and business knowledge, Mr. Ramkissoon pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M) with Merit in corporate and commercial practice from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. His dedication to continuous professional development underscores his commitment to excellence.
Born into a family whose Business started in 1928 (93 years ago) and the holder of a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Ryerson University in Canada, majoring in Business Management/Minor in Marketing, supported with a Diploma from Seneca College in Canada in Business Administration. Barry Fakoory has become an Authority in the Food Packaging Industry but has gained tremendous experience working in manufacturing, distribution, and offshore services for the petrochemical industry. When it comes to making decisions Barry’s passion for truth overrides the possibility that the decision may not work in his favour. He is thorough and his appetite to learn and explore in limitless.
He is currently the Chair of Standing Committee and is also a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards Committee currently developing a National Standard for Biodegradable Materials for Food Contact Products and Packaging. He also sits on the TTBS National Mirror Committee overseeing the development of the Regional Standard for Biodegradable Materials for Food Contact Products and Packaging. He has a certificate in the Principles of Waste Reduction, Recycling and Solid Waste Management from the SBCS and a certificate in Creating a Circular Economy in Trinidad and Tobago from the University of the West Indies. Barry is a Director at Floors WD Limited and Fakoory and Company Limited, but his day-to-day responsibilities lie primarily in the Research and Development of Sustainable Packaging for VF Packaging Ltd where he is the Sales Director. He has overseen the company’s process in attaining internationally recognised certification from the Biodegradable Products Institute to manufacture Certified Compostable/Biodegradable Products for the region.
Mr. Pradeep Subrian is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Blue Waters Products Limited since January 2nd 2020. Pradeep has been with the company for the past 15 years, initially joining as Commercial Director and moving up the ranks to the post of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and then CEO. During his tenure, Pradeep has been an integral part of driving the company’s vision, ensuring that the company’s core values are
permeated through the company and implementing processes, structures, systems and corporate governance framework that have been instrumental in earning Blue Waters the recognitions as TTMA’s Manufacturer of the Year twice, Deloitte’s Best Managed company twice and Supermarkets Association’s Distributor of the Year for several years.
Pradeep has a wealth of regional and international industry experience, having held various strategic and operation portfolios at companies such as; Coca Cola, Neal & Massy, Carib Brewery, Heineken Brewery and Grell & Company Limited. His outstanding performance and leadership competence earned him the title of Employee of the Year at two of his previous employers. Pradeep also serves as a Director of Blue Waters, St. Lucia and has served as a Director at the National Insurance Board (NIB) for 2 years. Pradeep is a graduate of the University of West Indies, St. Augustine (UWI). In the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) programme through UWI attended by students from more than 80 countries around the globe, Pradeep was awarded the
gold medal for 1st place winner.
Jonathan Garcia is the Deputy Managing Director of Christle Limited, a local, long-standing and family-owned Manufacturing Company. Jonathan is well known for his strong business acumen, operational expertise and strategic marketing skills. He has over twenty (20) years of experience in Manufacturing Sector and has been a Director of Christle Limited since 2008.
With a background in Business Management, Mr. Garcia was recently appointed to oversee Christle Limited’s export sales. Furthermore, he is the Chair of the HR Committee, and Vice Chair of the TTMA’s Export Marketing committee. He is also passionate about trade, often dedicating extra effort to developing new export relationships within the CARICOM region.
Under Mr. Jonathan Garcia’s stewardship, Christle Limited won the TTMA’s Trade Mission Champion Award 2023 as well as the Small Manufacturer of the Year 2022. Following this, he also won the Small Manufacturer of the Year 2023 and 2024, as well as Small New Market Entrant 2023.
Mr. Clint Villafana is a seasoned professional with over 20 years’ experience in Export, Sales and Marketing combined within the Manufacturing sector. He is the Vice President Export Sales (Caribbean, Latin America, Europe & USA) at S.M. Jaleel & Company Limited.
Mr. Villafana has spearheaded the introduction and expansion of subsidiaries and the S.M. Jaleel & Company brand in various markets throughout the region, resulting in the overall growth for the company both in volume and revenue over the past ten years. Through his oversight of the Export department, he led the company in winning the 2019 / 2020 Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Award for Exporter of the Year and New Market Entrant.
Mr. Villafana holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Minor in Marketing from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Mr. Villafana is also the Vice-Chair of the Export Marketing committee as well as a Director on the Board of Directors of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA).
Rudy Rampersad is not just the Vice President of Regional Initiatives at Ramps Logistics Ltd., but he is an enterprising and inspiring leader in the global supply chain and logistics sector. As the youngest of his siblings, Rudy embarked on his professional journey after earning a BSc in Business Management from the University of the West Indies. This path allowed him to channel his technical expertise and operational passion towards the growth and development of Ramps, steering the company towards new horizons of technology and innovation.
In addition to his corporate role, Rudy is a dedicated director on the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association board. He contributes valuable insights to the Standing and Infrastructure Committees and plans to use this influential position to promote local industries on an international scale, enhancing their recognition and competitiveness. Rudy is known for his charismatic approach to relationship-building and strategic planning. His Guyana Oil and Gas Chamber board position underscores his commitment to fostering growth and development within the Guyanese energy industry. By leveraging his ability to cultivate strong partnerships, Rudy creates opportunities for international companies to contribute to the local landscape.
A travel and food enthusiast, Rudy's wide-ranging interests allow him to gain new perspectives that he ingeniously applies to his professional realm. Beyond that, his deep commitment to community development is evident in his investment in youth and sports initiatives. By empowering young people and promoting sports, Rudy supports the development of particular skill sets so these individuals can now represent their country internationally. His holistic approach to leadership underlines his belief in the importance of balance between professional success and social contribution.
Marcus Sun Kow joined his family business Fresh Start Limited, in 2004. Sun Kow brought his innate entrepreneurial ability and fresh perspective to the business and accelerated its evolution from a small manufacturer of local fruit juice concentrates and ice lollies being sold from his father’s pick up in the Port of Spain Central Market, to a mechanized manufacturer of ready to drink juices and concentrates with an expanded flavour offering. Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree, Marcus officially assumed the role of Managing Director. His vision for the company charted its success which led to the company being selected as the TTMA Small Manufacturer of the Year Award in 2014 and Marcus earning a finalist place as EY’s Emerging Entrepreneur. Through Marcus’ leadership, Fresh Start has transitioned into a customized manufacturing facility to help keep up with growing demand.
Through his vision and leadership, Fresh Start Limited has established itself as a stalwart in the highly competitive beverage market and continues to differentiate its brand, quickly gaining market share. This innovative leader hopes to be a large exporter one day, taking indigenous Caribbean products and flavours to the rest of the world. His philanthropic efforts are focused on the youth and promoting environmental conservation. Marcus is driven by a desire to improve the local environment for all manufacturers and local entrepreneurs and has served as director on the Boards of YBTT and ADB. He has been selected as a speaker for numerous events for aspiring businesspersons and has brought his experience, knowledge, and sound advice, giving entrepreneurs the solid foundation needed at that pivotal stage of their careers. He also sits on various Boards of NGOs, and public and private companies.
Rajiv Devin Ragoonanan now serves as the Head of Group Brands at ACADO Ltd, while also overseeing Group Business Development and Product Innovation. With over a decade of extensive experience in the Food and Beverage industry across the Caribbean, he has played a pivotal role in driving regional growth initiatives.
Rajiv has demonstrated exceptional leadership in spearheading successful projects, including the introduction of new products and the expansion into emerging markets throughout the region.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical and Process Engineering, along with a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering. His expertise spans multiple areas, including Operations Management, Product Development, Market Expansion, Sales and Marketing, Franchise Brand Management, and Logistics. Rajiv’s proven track record of success ensures that he will bring the same level of excellence to TTMA and serve as a valuable asset to your board, offering a wealth of experience and insights.
Kris Sadal is an executive Director at Pepe’s Marketing Ltd, a family-owned enterprise in the commodities sector. Mr. Sadal has been with Pepes for over 12 years and has spearheaded many initiatives over the years including design and implementation of an ERP system, complete reconstruction of the organizational chart bringing many changes to procedures and processes and development and implementation of 5 year export program to name a few.
With a specialization in export operations, Mr. Sadal plays a pivotal role in expanding the business’s regional footprint, fostering regional partnerships, and ensuring seamless logistical coordination. In addition to leading export initiatives, Mr. Sadal oversees critical areas such as IT, Sales and Marketing, and Human Resources. Their multidisciplinary approach ensures that each department is aligned with the company’s strategic vision, driving innovation, customer engagement, and team development across all fronts.
Mr. Sadal holds a master’s degree in leadership and management from York University, London, equipping him with advanced skills in organizational leadership and strategic planning. His academic background, coupled with practical expertise, allows him to navigate the complexities of a family business while balancing tradition with forward-thinking strategies.
Gordon Dalgliesh currently holds the title of Foreign Business Director for the SCL group of companies. He currently oversees all of SCL’s exports as well as their operations in Guyana and Jamaica. His past experience in the production department gave him an in depth knowledge of raw material inputs and their supply chains while developing and streamlining some of SCL’s manufacturing processes.
Mr. Dalgliesh has also been serving on the TTMA Export Marketing committee since 2021 and recently joined the Standing committee for Trade and Related matters. He remains an advocate for manufacturing and strives to help the sector grow in Trinidad and Tobago.
Gervon B. J. Abraham currently serves as Head - Corporate and Regulatory Affairs (CORA) Caribbean at The West Indian Tobacco Company Limited, a subsidiary of the British American Tobacco Group. In this role, he was instrumental in the WITCO’s 2024 recognition at the AMCHAM HSSE Awards for Outstanding OSH and Environmental Project and TTMA President's Dinner for Excellence in Leadership.
Gervon is a highly accomplished Public Relations and Communications Strategist with over 24 years of experience spanning diverse industries. He has held senior roles across the private and public sectors, including positions at The Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, and TSTT. These experiences have honed his expertise in corporate communications, government stakeholder relations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). He has also championed entrepreneurship through collaboration with the National Entrepreneurship Development Company (NEDCO) endorsing comprehensive courses to develop essential business skills for our pan players.
Gervon currently serves on the TTMA Marketing committee and is also a Director on the Board of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). Beyond these corporate positions, he is also a passionate entrepreneur and the owner and Managing Director of Fenceline Consulting Limited, a creative enterprise that has produced six successful “Crackers and Cheese” concerts from 2019 to 2025.
Gervon is a proud alumnus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and also holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communication, an LLB from the University of London, and a Master of Arts in Creative Design and Entrepreneurship (UWI).
Mr. Sheldon Thomas is a senior finance and business development professional with over twenty (20) years of experience across development finance, banking, and enterprise operations. He brings extensive expertise in corporate finance, credit risk assessment, enterprise risk management, and strategic market development within regulated financial institutions.
Mr. Thomas holds an International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) with a specialization in International Finance from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, University of the West Indies. He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Anglia Polytechnic University (United Kingdom) and a Diploma in Management from the Association of Business Executives (ABE), London.
He is a Certified Credit Professional (CCP) through the Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago, delivered in collaboration with the Chartered Banker Institute (United Kingdom). He also holds a Professional Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management awarded through the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business in partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Risk Management Institute, the only institution locally and regionally offering this specialized credential.
Mr. Thomas has accumulated significant leadership experience within the financial services sector, including nearly a decade of progressive management responsibility at the Export-Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, a state-owned financial institution. In these roles, he has supported executive management and the Board of Directors in advancing institutional mandates, strengthening governance and compliance frameworks, and enhancing operational performance within a regulated environment.
His professional development includes specialized training in Operational Risk Management, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), Situational Leadership, Leadership Effectiveness, and Service Excellence. He also completed the Banking and Finance for Developing Countries Programme, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, which focused on international financial systems and development banking practices.
Andre Jacelon is a seasoned business professional with over 25 years’ experience in Business Operations and Manufacturing.
Mr. Jacelon is presently the Business Development Manager at Bermudez Biscuit Company. Prior to this, he held various portfolios which included; Tobago Country Head of ANSA McAL Tobago Operating companies (Ansa Automotive, Carib, AMCO, ABEL, and Standards Distributors); Manager of ANSA Automotive Tobago; Managing Director at Tony Roma’s; and Sales Manager and General Manager at Elite Limited.
Mr. Jacelon has also served on the Board of Directors of Standard Distributors Limited; Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC); Tobago Chamber of Commerce; Carib Management Committee and Elite Limited.
Jesse Scott from AP Scott Trinidad is a Trinidad and Tobago based manufacturing and distribution executive. Her recent focus has been on regional expansion through innovative steel-framed construction systems as well as the expansion of a vertically integrated agro-processing venture under the Happy Planet mushrooms initiative.
Jesse holds an undergraduate degree in Finance as well as a Master’s in Data Science. She previously gained professional experience at PwC in mergers and acquisitions, building a strong foundation in financial analysis and business strategy. She presently leads strategic growth initiatives that integrate manufacturing, agribusiness, and export-oriented supply chains across the Caribbean, with an emphasis on sustainability, import substitution, and value-added production.
Her leadership within the AP Scott Group has led Jesse to drive innovation in construction solutions, food production, and integrated distribution networks. She is committed to fostering the sustainable development and competitiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s non-energy manufacturing sector.
Dirk Marin is the Chief Executive Officer of ACADO Foods, a leading food manufacturing and distribution company operating across the Caribbean FMCG sector. He brings over two decades of experience spanning manufacturing, supply chain management, industrial performance, and executive leadership across both locally owned and multinational environments.
Dirk Marin joined ACADO Foods (formerly VEMCO) in 2014 as Plant Manager and was appointed Director of Manufacturing in 2016. In February 2023, he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. His career progression reflects deep operational expertise, a disciplined and systems-oriented leadership style, and an expanding mandate for enterprise-wide performance, commercial execution, and long-term value creation.
An Industrial Engineer by training, Dirk Marin is known for his commitment to operational excellence and building resilient organisations. He focuses on strengthening performance through robust systems, clear accountability, and values-driven teams, with an emphasis on sustainable growth and organisational capability.
Dirk Marin holds a BSc (Hons.) in Industrial Engineering from the University of the West Indies. He is a member of the Board of Engineering of Trinidad and Tobago and the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago.
