Division of Finance, Trade and the Economy, Tobago House of Assembly

15/09/2026

In case you were wondering!!!

Our entrepreneurs have been fully engaged during their participation in the Miami Trade Mission, which they are currently attending.

They have prepared their sales pitch, and now have the opportunity to present it to potential retailers in the Miami market space. They are supported by the team from the BDU Business Development Unit THA and the Secretary of Finance, Trade and the Economy, Councillor Petal Ann Roberts, who sought out the opportunity to make this possible.

The following photos give insight into the interactions.

Tag your favourite entrepreneur in the photos.

14/09/2026

The show is already on the road!

The Hilton Garden Inn, Miami, FL ushered in the series of events taking place during the Miami Trade Mission.

Secretary of Finance Trade and the Economy, Councillor Petal Ann Roberts, was among those bringing welcome remarks during the event proudly and ably representing Tobago.

There is so much more to come. We'll keep you updated with events and outcomes through the week!

14/09/2026

We're doing it again!!!!!

Secretary of Finance, Trade and the Economy, Councillor Petal Ann Roberts, has led a delegation to a Trade Mission in Miami. In collaboration with the TTMA - Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association, the Division of Finance, Trade and the Economy provided support to five entrepreneurs to network, market, and partner with international markets for their products and services.

Dense Stewart Phillip - Ile Picks Limited: manufacturer of organic salad dressings,
Maxie Navarro DeFreitas - Bliss Collective: producer of seamoss-based skin care products,
Rachel Bostock - Rachel's Delight: producer of confectionery goods,
Danielle Barry-Hutchins - 3Ripple Steppers: leather craftsman,
Nicole Phillips - Nickym's Shop & Stuff: producer of sauces.

The entrepreneurs, who are clients of the Business Development Unit THA, were briefed and prepped for the opportunity, and also have the support of a team within the unit headed by BDU Manager, Mrs. Shelly Ann Baptiste. They will engage in B2B meetings, a Food and Beverage Show, Port Tours and other activities focused on providing opportunities to enter new markets through networking.

The Division of Finance, Trade and the Economy, through our Secretary, Councillor Petal Ann Roberts and staff of the BDU, continue to seek out opportunities to support the growth and development of Tobago based businesses for expansion into new and international markets.

Stay tuned for more updates!

14/09/2026

✨ Motivation Monday✨

"Change your thoughts and change your world," - Norman Vincent Peale

Secretary of Finance, Trade and the Economy, Councillor Petal Ann Roberts, reminds us of the power of mindset. When we choose possibility over limitation, we open the door to growth, progress, and new opportunities.

Nothing is impossible - even the word says "I'M POSSIBLE!"✨

09/09/2026

🎊We have a birthday TODAY!!!!🎊

Our Assistant Secretary, Assembly Member - Kern Alexis, is celebrating his birthday today, and we are joining him in the celebration.

Assembly Member Kern Alexis - Plymouth/Black Rock, we wish you nothing but the best in this new year of your life, and may you continue to make impact wherever you go.

From the Secretary and staff of Finance, Trade, and the Economy, we wish you a happy birthday!

02/09/2026

In case you're wondering!

In keeping with the closing of accounts for the financial year, the Treasury Division of the Ministry of Finance has advised that the payment of Government salaries and pensions for September 2026, will be made as follows:

Salaries - Tuesday September 22, 2026
Pensions - Wednesday September 23, 2026

Pay attention to the details on the flyer below 👇

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

What you are you seeing in these photos?

Well, let's tell you what is actually happening:
Photos 1 - 4: Carlina Jules - Taylor of Tonci's Chocolate in conversation with potential distributors for their line of products.
Photos 5 - 6: Shanice Prince of Tom Tom's Local Confectionery in conversation with a potential distributor
Photos 7 - 9: Keston Pope of Savour De Isle in conversation with potential online store developers, set to launch in January of 2027.

This is active, intentional and meaningful engagement. Our entrepreneurs (BDU clients) are putting in the work, and the results are already coming in!

01/09/2026

ℂℝ𝔼𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾 ℕ𝔼𝕎 ℙ𝔸𝕋ℍ𝕎𝔸𝕐𝕊 𝔽𝕆ℝ 𝕋𝕆𝔹𝔸𝔾𝕆 𝔹𝕌𝕊𝕀ℕ𝔼𝕊𝕊𝔼𝕊

The focus is clear: distribution and market access, exporter readiness, supply chain participation, manufacturing and FDI, and most importantly, creating new pathways in which Tobago businesses can reach new customers and participate in new markets.

The Canada Trade Mission has brought Tobago, represented by Councillor Petal Ann Roberts, into discussions with representatives of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Brampton Board of Trade, and the Brampton Community and Economic Empowerment Network.

More than just introductions, the discussions focused on issues that determine whether a Tobago business can move from producing for a local market to competing in international markets.

What is emerging is the potential for stronger relationships, greater market intelligence, exporter support and investment opportunities for Tobago businesses.

The work continues as we build these relationships and pursue opportunities that can deliver tangible benefits for Tobago’s business community and wider economy.

From Tobago to the world, we are taking our products, our enterprise and our story with us. Stay tuned for more updates!

𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙩: 𝙈𝙨 𝙑𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙩𝙞 𝙂𝙪𝙮𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝘾𝙀𝙊, 𝙏𝙏𝘾𝙄𝘾, 𝙍𝙮𝙖𝙣 𝙀𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠- 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠(𝘽𝘾𝙀𝙀𝙉), 𝙈𝙧 𝙅𝙖𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙪𝙡 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙮- 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙝- 𝘾𝙀𝙊 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙤𝙣 𝘽𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚, 𝙃𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙮𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙢𝙖 𝙈𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙟- 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚, 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢, 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙡-𝘼𝙣𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙨- 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙮, 𝙏𝙃𝘼, 𝙈𝙧 𝙆𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙣 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙝𝙖𝙧- 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚, 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙧 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙮𝙡 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤- 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙊𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝘾𝙤-𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧 (𝘽𝘾𝙀𝙀𝙉)

31/08/2026

One thing about this Division is that we do not sleep..... we do not sleep on opportunities.

Our Secretary, Councillor Petal Ann Roberts, led a delegation of three Tobago entrepreneurs and the Manager of the Business Development Unit (BDU), Mrs. Shelly Ann Baptiste, to Canada to attend the Canada Trade and Investment Mission facilitated by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Canadian Government.

Along with the Minister of Trade, the Honourable K**a Maharaj, Secretary Roberts met with the Head of the Canada Caribbean Institute and Leading representatives of the University of Toronto and the Toronto Metropolitan University.

Next stop is the Investors Forum, led by the Honourable Minister of Planning and Development, Honourable Minister Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh.

Enjoy a few moments captured for your viewing.