By Sue-Ann Wayow
AFTER five years of leading the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce in his role as chief executive officer, Gabriel Faria’s term has come to an end.
Ian De Souza now takes up the role.
On Monday, the Chamber issued a statement after Faria’s term came to an end, acknowledging his efforts during his tenure especially in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
De Souza said, “His tireless efforts to increase the advocacy and visibility of the chamber in the local and regional space is indisputable. He has left a good foundation on which to build through the programmes he has created, and the solid relationships he has forged for the chamber both locally and regionally.
“I am grateful for his support and guidance through this transitionary period. I wish him a happy and healthy retirement and many happy years with his family,” De Souza added.
The chamber said Faria ushered in a period of heightened collaboration with local and regional chambers and business groups, and in opening several avenues for interaction with young businessmen and innovators who needed a platform to be heard and recognised.
Under his tenure, the chamber also witnessed intensified advocacy efforts with the Government, policymakers and legislators, bringing his own unique style to negotiating for changes in business facilitation and in the ease of doing business.
“His conviction has always been that a strong private sector is the foundation of a prosperous and equitable TT,” the chamber stated.
Faria’s faith in the innovation and resilience of the local private sector has been his inspiration for pushing for increased consultation by Government with business in trade and economic development, the chamber added.
The chamber also praised Faria’s recent contribution to a committee established to reopen the economy during the Covid-19 restrictions and he also encouraged vaccination as a means of restarting the economy.
Chamber’s president Charles Pashley also had high praises for Faria.
He said, “Gabriel has added significant value to the chamber by introducing new member benefits and programmes. With the support of the board, he has done exceptionally well at positioning the chamber as the voice of business by being a fearless advocate for the business community.”
Pashley said, “He has an in-depth understanding of what businesses need to grow and the issues that need to be tackled to create a more enabling and facilitative environment.
“That has been invaluable particularly for our micro, small and medium-sized businesses, and the sustained challenges of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. I wish him the very best in his retirement.”
