ANNUAL REPORT 2024
UNIT TRUST CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2024
UTC continues to make a meaningful difference in our communities and transitioned our approach from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to Creating Shared Value with those closest to us. In 2024, we intensified our efforts across three strategic pillars: Education, Financial Well-Being, and Environmental Citizenship. It is on these pillars that UTC can offer support to address some of our society’s most pressing needs and offer the most significant opportunities for transformative impact.
Education is a fundamental pillar of national transformation. The SEA Scholarship Programme, established in 1996, has been instrumental in changing lives by offering financial assistance and mentorship to exceptional students from underserved backgrounds. In 2024, UTC awarded 25 new scholarships, bringing the total investment to over TT$15 million and supporting more than 500 students over the programme’s lifespan.
Financial literacy is a key enabler of economic freedom. In 2024, UTC hosted over 325 workshops and seminars, both in-person and online, reaching 7,419 new investors. These sessions covered various topics, from budgeting basics to investment strategies, helping clarify financial concepts and encouraging proactive wealth-building.
Additionally, we offered free financial planning seminars to corporate entities, including community financial education events in partnership with local government organizations like the Port of Spain City Corporation. These events covered topics such as:
The UTC’s mobile unit provided added assistance and financial services to rural communities, improving access for individuals who live in remote communities. From June to November 2024, the mobile unit visited Rio Claro to make financial advisory services accessible to the community.
Entrepreneurship
Recognising the transformative power of entrepreneurship, the Corporation deepened its support for early-stage and growth-stage businesses through the Scale Up TT.
Scale Up TT, a flagship collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Entrepreneurship Policy Advisors (EPA), continued accelerating high-potential businesses. The programme has supported 34 companies, driving over TT$460 million in revenue and creating 1,200+ jobs. In 2024, the third cohort concluded with measurable improvements in business performance, while cohorts four and five were welcomed to the program.
In February 2024, Cohort 4 of Scale Up TT graduated from the program with a ceremony at the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre.
Calvin Maurice, CEO, NEDCO, and Nigel Edwards, Executive Director, UTC, solidify the partnership with a handshake after the formal signing of the MOU.
UrpreneurPlus, a UTC program in collaboration with UWI Ventures Limited, offers support to innovative startups through education, mentorship, and access to financing. In 2024, TT$1.5 million was allocated across nine companies for investment, research, development and grants.
UTC partnered with NEDCO to provide financial support for local small—to medium-sized enterprises. This partnership empowers entrepreneurs to access investment management services and financial training. These programmes underscore UTC’s role in building a robust, inclusive entrepreneurial economy.
UTC actively supported a range of initiatives in 2024 aimed at fostering resilient, forward-thinking communities. These efforts included sponsoring high-impact conferences such as TechBeach Retreat, the Connected Caribbean Summit, the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange Capital Markets Conference, and the EDGE Leadership Conference.
Each event served as a vital platform for thought leadership, innovation, and regional collaboration, aligning with our commitment to empowering communities through knowledge sharing and strategic partnership. These efforts form a broader strategy to align business with social progress and shared prosperity.
UTC team at the EDGE leadership Conference. From left: Darin Carmichael, Advisor, Security and Corporate Services, Hema Ramkissoon, Head Marketing, Crystal Rodriguez-Greaves, Chief Investment Officer, Linda Wilson-Mano, Head Advisory Services, Merlyn Syder, Head Digital Business Sharon St. Clair-Douglas, Head Investment Centres, Keshma Maharaj, Head Compliance, and Fleming Glace, Assistant Manager, Point Fortin.
Attendees, all smiles, after visiting the UTC booth at the Presentation College, San Fernando Career Guidance Fair.
UTC remains committed to nurturing the next generation of financial leaders through targeted youth engagement and career development initiatives. In 2024, we proudly partnered with the Tobago House of Assembly for its 5th Annual Youth-Biz Summer Camp, equipping young participants with essential entrepreneurial and financial skills.
The UTC Internship Programme continues to be a launchpad for emerging talent. 2024 was the fourth year of the program, culminating in InternOvate Finals, where interns presented innovative solutions to real-world challenges, demonstrating creativity, critical thinking, and leadership.
UTC also participated in Presentation College San Fernando’s Career Guidance 2024 event, engaging with students on pathways to financial empowerment and investment, and wealth management careers.
In October 2024, the Corporation hosted a vibrant media appreciation luncheon at Arazzi Restaurant, Maraval Road, Port of Spain. The event brought together media professionals and UTC’s Senior Management Team for an afternoon of meaningful engagement. Attendees participated in a dynamic virtual game that tested their knowledge of UTC, sparking friendly competition while strengthening relationships and fostering camaraderie.
Executive Director, Nigel Edwards, strikes a pose with Head of Marketing, Hema Ramkissoon and Kerron Sealy “Sunny Bling” at UTC’s Media Appreciation Luncheon.
Executive Director, Nigel Edwards, with UTC’s Leadership Team and members of the media at UTC’s Media Appreciation Luncheon.
Additionally, the Advisory Services Division hosted an exclusive cocktail reception for key clients, providing a space to deepen relationships, express appreciation, and explore new avenues for collaboration.
These touchpoints reinforce our commitment to open dialogue, relationship-building, and the shared pursuit of excellence.