CTTRC Local Economic Development Unit

💥𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐏𝐎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐂'𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 & 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 (𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐒)

Another historic milestone for the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation as our Local Economic Development Unit partnered with the Intellectual Property Office of Trinidad and Tobago (IPOTT), simultaneously launching CTTRC's Business Enhancement and Support Services (BESS).

Leading the distinguished delegation from IPOTT was Controller of Intellectual Property, Mr. Regan Asgarali, SC, alongside Deputy Controller, Dr. Kavish Seetahal, and Manager of Technical Examination, Mr. Richard Aching.

Chairman Ryan Rampersad and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Simone Huggins, delivered remarks underscoring the Corporation’s unwavering commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, supporting MSMEs, and driving sustainable local economic development throughout the municipality.

Mr. Asgarali commended the initiative, noting that this collaboration represents a first for the Intellectual Property Office and serves as a model he hopes to replicate with Municipal Corporations across Trinidad. Drawing on international examples, he highlighted the critical role innovation and intellectual property protection play in driving economic transformation.

Session highlights included:
• Presentation on Intellectual Property Rights
• Exploring opportunities for branding the CTTRC
• One-on-one advisory sessions with 10 MSMEs
• Tours of the Couva Railway & Sugar Heritage Site, Montserrat Cocoa Farmers at San Antonio Estate, and the Cocoa Panyol Museum

Together, we continue building pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth within our municipality.

Step into the rich history and heritage of the Indo-Trinidadian community at the May edition of the Toute Bagai Lecture Series, hosted at the Exchange Shiv Mandir in Couva. 🌺✨

Join National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago Heritage Preservation Research Officer and PhD candidate Karishma Nanhu as she explores the history of Indians in Trinidad, the significance of the Exchange Sewala, and the important work of the Tapestry Initiative in preserving community heritage and stories for future generations.

📅 Saturday 30 May 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
📍 Exchange Shiv Mandir
🎟️ Admission: $100 TTD

Come and experience heritage where it lives — in our communities, sacred spaces, and shared traditions.

Our May edition of the Toute Bagai Lecture Series takes us to the Exchange Shiv Mandir in Couva for a special lecture exploring the history of Indians in Trinidad, the significance of the Exchange Sewala, and the role of the Tapestry Initiative in preserving and sharing community heritage.

The lecture will be delivered by Karishma Nanhu, Heritage Preservation Research Officer at the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago and PhD candidate whose research focuses on Trinidad’s Indo-heritage and sugar production.

This is an opportunity to experience heritage where it lives: in communities, in sacred spaces, in stories, and in the places maintained across generations.

Event Details
📅 Saturday 30 May 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
📍 Exchange Shiv Mandir, Exchange Village, Couva
🎟️ $100 TTD
📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/r1oyeg1VfnrsGYJr9

Please walk with water to stay hydrated and dress comfortably and respectfully for the venue.

Register here: https://nationaltrust.tt/product/toute-bagai-lecture-series-indian-arrival-community-heritage-the-exchange-sewala/