The Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago (HRMATT) proudly celebrated its 35th anniversary with a spectacular Legacy Awards and Dinner at the HYATT Regency on Saturday, November 9th, 2024. This landmark event brought together HR professionals, business leaders, government ministers, and representatives from various industries, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of connection and celebration.
The evening was expertly hosted by Kimberly De Souza and Christopher Edmond, kicking off with a lively cocktail reception featuring performances by Vaughnette Bigford and the Prisons Band, which set an inspiring tone for the night.
Cavelle Joseph-St. Omer, HRMATT’s President, delivered a heartfelt welcome address, reflecting on the association’s transformative journey and its pivotal role in advancing human resource management in Trinidad and Tobago. The audience was also treated to a thought-provoking feature address by Dr. L. Anthony Watkins, one of HRMATT’s founding members, who shared valuable insights on resiliency in life and the HR profession and the importance of strategic human resource management in today’s dynamic environment.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the HRMATT Legacy Awards, honouring outstanding contributions in nine categories, each named after the association’s founding members as well as the Volunteer of the Year award. Notable winners included:
Winner of the Gordon Draper Award for Public Service Transformation: Senator the Honourable Allyson West, Minister in the Ministry of Public Administration presented by the family of the late HRMATT Founder – Gordon Draper.Winner of the Maxine Barnett Award for HR Excellence: Ms. Gwendoline McLaren presented by HRMATT Founder – Ms. Maxine Barnett.Winner of the Glenn Wilson Award for Industrial Relations Excellence: Dr. André Vincent Henry. The award was accepted on his behalf by HRMATT Vice President, Ms. Kimberly Chan presented by HRMATT Founder – Mr. Glenn Wilson.Winner of the Lisa James Award for Learning and Development: Republic Bank Ltd. (Learning & Talent Development Centre) Team.Winner of the Coreen Jones Award for Best Place to Work: National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited: Mr. Vernon Paltoo presented by HRMATT Founder Ms. Coreen Jones.Winner of the L. Anthony Watkins Award for Advocacy: Mrs. Gachelle Gilkes-Edwards presented by HRMATT Founder Dr. L. Anthony Watkins.
Winner of the HRMATT Regional HR Champion Award (Individual): Mr. Michael McAnuff-Jones accepted by Mrs. Georgia Donaldson on his behalf presented by HRMATT Director – Advocacy, Ms. Cindy Wilson.
Winner of the HRMATT Regional HR Champion Award (Organisation): National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) accepted by NGC’s President, Mr. Edmund Subryan presented by Mr. Angelo Austin of Xtra-Foods.Winner of the HRMATT Volunteer of the Year Award: Mrs. Charlene Pedro presented by HRMATT President – Mrs. Cavelle Joseph-St. Omer.Hall of Fame Posthumous Inductee – Ulric Warner (posthumously).HRMATT Hall of Fame Inductee – Grace TalmaHRMATT Hall of Fame Inductee – Hollick RajkumarHRMATT Hall of Fame Inductee – Mrs. Diana Mahabir-WyattHRMATT Hall of Fame Inductee – Ms. Gloria Eastman
