“The more knowledge you can acquire, the more sparks of growth, experience and expansion. People influenced by knowledge become assets to themselves, their companies and to the energy sector. With knowledge and with everyone working together, a team can truly accomplish its goal. That’s why for me, team means, “Together Everyone Accomplishes More.”
“I love seeing things come together. When there's an issue, our team anticipates the challenge, resolves it successfully, and ensures proper planning and scheduling, allowing us to deliver what our clients expect.”
“Do not underestimate the power of discipline and consistency in compliance; it’s often the small daily actions that build habits that give you the edge and impact the safety of your operations and of others. A simple thing such as reporting things you see, promotes a culture of safety and encourages each team member to meet expectations”
“As a scaffolding instructor, I have an input into what the guys do to keep themselves and their colleagues safe; that is no minor responsibility, and I am happy that what I do keeps people safe and supports the continued operations of so many companies that are a part of our world-class energy sector”.
Today is a bittersweet one for us, as we focus our lens inward, to pay tribute and bid a fond farewell to one of our very own, Natalie Reece-Sarkar, Vice President, Certifications, Energy Chamber of T&T.
“There’s nothing like standing on a job site, seeing your design concept come to life, knowing too, that it helped the client. I feel a deep sense of pride at times like that, and it brings a strong sense of purpose to what I do for a sector that is the backbone of our economy”.
“I am fueled by the excitement and relevance of the energy sector to Trinidad's economy. A major motivation for me is the impact of the work we do in the energy sector and its contribution to Trinidad’s natural gas production and the bottom line for T&T.Apart from the economic value which the sector delivers to Trinidad and Tobago, I have noticed a strong work ethic and team-oriented quality of persons employed in the energy sector. The commitment and discipline of those responsible for keeping things going in a sector that is so critical to T&T’s economic growth, is a factor that must be acknowledged”.
“I really thought that I was a big deal until I began working and realized that there was still so much to learn. Welding is a dynamic field, and it is exciting because no two days are alike and no two jobs are alike. I recognized early that it was important to listen and observe; no man is an island, so the ego had to go.”
Quami has been in the energy industry for approximately 23 years. His entry into the industry came via the construction sector when, after leaving secondary school, he was hired by his uncle to work on the construction of a bunkering facility at the port in Pt. Lisas.
At 25 years, Sastri Lalla would be considered a fledgling, especially in a sector as complex as the energy sector where he is a Mechanical maintenance Technician at D. Rampersad. Any perception of inexperience or a lack of confidence is quickly dispelled after even a brief chat with him.
Ian ‘Cruz’ Charles was a young boy living in Erin Village when his fascination with Heavy T vehicles was first sparked, simply from observing (with awe) the containerized trucks going back and forth. This interest was further fueled by having an uncle who drove Heavy T vehicles. In his words, although older “I am still not very tall (5ft 1”), but when I get into the cabin of the trucks that I drive, I feel taller and very much in control and I know how powerful I become.”
As a young boy, Robert would join his father (an Estate Manager at Caroni (1975) Limited) and watch the process of hauling and loading bundles of sugarcane. Looking back, he realizes that none of the cranes would likely meet current safety standards, but he believes that this process of observation gave him a keen eye and sixth sense regarding workplace safety. And although his story didn’t begin in safety, his journey has led him to be a passionate advocate for a culture of safety, and not just in industry alone.
Michael Dass’ career started in the agri-processing sector, working with the state-owned sugar company Caroni (1975) Limited. When Caroni was closed down, Michael was forced to pivot and despite having no prior experience in the energy sector, he managed to secure a job with Process Management Limited (PML) as a Valve Mechanic.
Indar Boodoo is known in the oil and gas sector for his leadership at Analyser Services Trinidad Limited (ASTL) and is now an industry veteran with over 30 years of extensive experience, starting his career as a teacher before transitioning to the industry as a refinery technician. His transition from educator to industry expert reflects a legacy of mentorship, a trait he attributes to growing up as the eldest of his siblings.
Anybody who has attended the Trinidad & Tobago Energy Conference in the past few years will already know Sarona and other members of the BLISS team. They have developed a unique, bright and distinctive brand identity that makes them stand out from the crowd and their booths at the trade show and other industry events are always eye-catching. Sarona explains that developing this brand identity has been important in a sub-sector where they face keen competition.
In 1989, Darren Chatoor was a teenager dropping off his older brothers at the Methanol 1 facility in Point Lisas to work on a plant shutdown. He looked on in awe at the complex plants and hoped that one-day he too can contribute to the Point Lisas Estate development. His chance came soon after when he secured a role as a trainee draughtsman with the Claxton Bay based contractor, Weldfab.
People in Energy
Mala Baliraj, CEO, Massy Wood Group Ltd. (Massy Wood)
Mala Baliraj is the head of one of the leading energy services companies in the country. However, she did not have a traditional route into the energy sector and her ascension to the top at Massy Wood was not typical.
Based in San Fernando, south Trinidad, L & S Surveying Services Limited has steadily grown along with the developments in the country. L & S has sought to effectively combine modern techniques and equipment with experienced, well trained, and dedicated team of professionals.
Our principal company Artemis Energy Limited was formed by my father, Roger Mike in 2017, having spent many years as a senior banker with responsibility for his bank’s energy sector portfolio. He also held the post of Vice President – Investment & Trade of the STCIC, now the T&T Energy Chamber. Five years prior to his retirement age, he left banking to become CEO of one of the largest local Energy Services companies.
Caribbean Analytical Services Limited (CASL) opened its doors in 2002 by Brian Ramatally, Managing Director, and his late father, Bim Ramatally. CASL was formed as an industrial laboratory in Point Lisas with focus on lubricants, process fluids, and wastewater.
