Introduction:
The Tobago Division of the Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Industry & Commerce is currently celebrating a significant milestone of 75years of successfully serving its membership. This Chamber is the only business association with a special Division serving the needs of Tobago businesses and it was originally founded as the Tobago Chamber of Commerce in 1936 with the First President being Commander L. M. Robinson, a retired Naval Officer.
The Chamber’s Tobago Division is a very effective body of representation for the local private sector and the current membership has been growing by leaps and bounds. There are also several sub-committees which serve specific areas and the Division continues to let its presence be felt as a vibrant association; under the leadership of Mr. David Wong, the current Chairman of the Division; by issuing media releases and making representation on various boards and committees especially related to the work of the Tobago House of Assembly.
History:
After 37yrs on its own, in 1973 the association changed its structure, to become the Tobago Division of the Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Industry & Commerce and the first Chairman of the division was Mr. Neville Gibbes, an Attorney-at-law. In 2004, The Tobago Division also realized another eminent ‘first’ when they appointed Janet Arnold-Parks, a Bank Manager, as the First Female Chairman. In the 1950’s meetings in Tobago were held at the Court House, and then they moved to the Tobago United Cooperative Society with the next venue being the Scarborough Community Centre.
After this, they continued at the Della Mira Guest House and Club La Tropical consecutively until an office was secured on Main Street in Scarborough. Finally in 1984, they moved to our present accommodation at TEAL Building. This foundation of active representation has been built on the contributions of several outstanding Honorary Secretaries through our seventy (75) years of establishment, namely: Robert C. Johnson, a retired U.S. Foreign Service officer; George C. Young, a retired Head Master and the Owner of Ideal Leather and Book Store; Reginald D. Nias, a Businessman; Fred D. Thomas, a Banker; Val H. Martin, an Accountant; Kenneth Powder; David Knott, a Valuator and along with many other dedicated and committed personnel.