In the face of rapid economic, demographic, and technological shifts, Caribbean business leaders today navigate an environment marked by both promising growth opportunities and unprecedented challenges. From the pressing demands of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) imperatives to the dual-edged influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the scope of leadership has expanded dramatically.

The declining birth rate and population growth across the region highlight an urgent demographic challenge. With aging populations, high emigration, and shifting family structures, the region faces a shrinking labour pool and a gradual transformation in consumer demand. Business leaders must re-evaluate strategies, invest in automation, attract talent creatively, and engage policymakers to build a resilient future.

Additionally, the adoption of advanced technologies, particularly AI, brings competitive advantages but also new cybersecurity risks that require robust protections and forward-thinking regulation. These pressures demand that companies adapt and safeguard their operations while responsibly implementing AI to build trust and ensure long-term sustainability.

This edition of Businessuite Top 100 delves into these critical issues with insights and actionable strategies, from innovative ESG practices to future-proofing operations amid demographic shifts and technological advancements. With contributions from top Caribbean firms, we explore how businesses can lead effectively in an era of constant change, underscoring the resilience, adaptability, and forward vision that the Caribbean’s business landscape needs now more than ever.

Businessuite remains committed to supporting Caribbean business leaders as they shape sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity for the region.

National Enterprises Limited (NEL) is an investment holding company incorporated on August 27, 1999 by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. NEL was formed to consolidate the Government’s shareholding in selected State Enterprises and facilitate public offerings on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange.

NEL has invested in industries that drive the economy of Trinidad and Tobago: natural gas and energy-based manufacturing, telecommunications, power generation, and the marketing and manufacturing of basic foods.

NEL holds significant shareholding in the following companies:

• NGC NGL Company Limited (NGC NGL);
• NGC Trinidad and Tobago LNG Limited (NGC LNG);
• Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT);
• Trinidad Nitrogen Co. Limited (TRINGEN);
• National Flour Mills Limited (NFM);
• NEL Power Holdings Limited (NPHL); and
• Pan West Engineers and Constructors, LLC (Pan West).

Through NEL, individual and corporate investors can share in the financial stability and staying power of these enterprises. Today, over 5,000 citizens who will continue to benefit from our consistent dividend payments own 100 million of the 600 million issued shares in NEL.

As of September 30, 2022, the fair market value of National Enterprises Limited’s (NEL) equity investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associate companies based on IFRS 9, was TT$3.42 Billion, an increase of 92% compared to the $1.78 Billion as of March 31, 2021, the last reporting date.

NEL’s Financial Position
For the financial period ended September 30, 2022 (FY2022), NEL recorded a net profit of $1.98 Billion, an increase of over $2 Billion as compared to the previous financial year (FY2021), where NEL recorded a loss of $270 Million.

NEL’s increased net profit over the eighteen-month financial period ended September 30, 2022 includes the unrealized fair value gain of $1.7 Billion from NEL’s portfolio companies in the energy sector.

NEL Power Holdings increased by $21.3 Million or 19.7% over its value as of March 31, 2021. This was offset by declines in the fair values of Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT) and National Flour Mills Limited (NFM).

NEL also registered an operating profit of $297 Million in FY2022 versus the $28 Million recorded in financial year ended March 31 2021 (FY2021).

Management has continued with prudent cost management practices while pursuing operational efficiencies. Operating expenses in FY22 have remained consistent at $8.8 Million for the eighteen-month period compared to $4.99 Million for the twelve-month FY2021.

Charles Maynard
General Manager National Enterprises Limited

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Businessuite 2023  #1  Trinidad and Tobago Company by US$ Profit after Tax – National Enterprises Limited

2022 was the 99th year of operations for the Massy Group of Companies, formerly Neal & Massy. Given the tumultuous environment in the world today, coupled with the success the Group has experienced in focusing on its three main Portfolios and success in international expansion, we have created a new vision for the Massy Group as it approaches 100 years of operations:

“A Global Force For Good, An Investment Holding Company with a Caribbean Heart”

Several developments have inspired this new vision. First, we are called to expand our sphere of influence beyond the Caribbean Basin. We recognise that our Purpose and Values resonate with people from diverse backgrounds, religions, and races.

The Group has never been more profitable and our Balance Sheet has never been stronger.

Operating Profit from Business Units grew by 25 percent from TT$961 million (US$143 million) in FY2021 to TT$1.2 billion (US$178 million) in FY2022.

Profit Before Tax (PBT) from Continuing Operations grew by 11 percent from FY 2021 to FY 2022; growth was impacted by the underperformance of the overseas cash investments held by the Group in FY2022 compared to the significant gains produced in those investments in FY 2021.
The Group’s Debt to Equity is down to 25 percent and in addition to its TT$1.2 billion in cash at the end of the year, the Group has US$176 million invested overseas to fund acquisitions and growth initiatives.

The Group’s governance has been strengthened with the creation of Portfolio Boards of Directors with Independent Directors and with increased autonomy and decision-making being implemented throughout our operations.

Mr. E. Gervase Warner, President &
Group CEO
Massy Group of Companies

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Businessuite 2023 #1 Trinidad and Tobago Company by US$ Revenue –  Massy Holdings Limited