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CaribbeanCanadianInvestmentSummit&TradeForum

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Bridging Markets:Unlocking Opportunities, Building Sustainable Prosperity🇨🇦🇯🇲🇬🇾🇬🇩🇹🇹🇧🇧🇧🇸🇦🇬🇩🇲🇭🇹🇩🇴🇰🇳🇻🇨🇱🇨🇬🇩
📅 Sept. 25-26, 2026
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An introduction to the vision behind the Caribbean Canadian Investment & Trade Summit 2026. Hear from the President and Chairman as they share the purpose of the summit, the importance of this moment, and the commitment to building stronger bridges between Canada and the Caribbean through leadership, partnership, and opportunity. #CaribbeanCanadianSummit #AboutUs #StrategicPartnerships #Leadership #CanadaCaribbean taken in Toronto Ontario Canada by @ccistf
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5 months ago
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Panelist Highlight | Ian Tolliver Infrastructure creates opportunity—but access determines who gets to build it. At the inaugural Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum (CCISTF) 2026, we were pleased to welcome Ian Tolliver, President & CEO of the Ontario Black Contractors Association (OBCA), as a Day 1 panelist. With more than 24 years in construction, Ian brings expertise in estimating, cost consulting, financial assessments, loan monitoring and project management, with experience across residential and commercial developments and construction financing ranging from $100,000 to more than $250 million. As Founder, President & CEO of Tolliver International Incorporated, he leads a majority Black-owned cost consulting and construction management firm providing feasibility, cost planning, project management and related services. Ian’s commitment to expanding opportunity extends beyond his own business. In 2023, he co-founded the Ontario Black Contractors Association, supporting greater access to contracts, mentorship, professional development and industry networks for Black and minority contractors. At CCISTF, Ian brought an important perspective to conversations around construction, housing, infrastructure and economic development—highlighting the role of capital, procurement, partnerships and relationships in expanding participation in major projects. His contribution also reflected CCISTF’s broader mission: creating connections between Canadian and Caribbean businesses, investors, developers and professionals while opening pathways for diaspora-owned enterprises to participate in trade, investment and development. We thank Ian for sharing his expertise and helping advance the conversation around inclusive economic opportunity. Build the relationships. Create the access. Expand the opportunity. 🌐caribcaninvest.com by @ccistf
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10 hours ago
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🇯🇲🇨🇦 Panelist Spotlight | Nimal Amitirigala When a Caribbean brand reaches an international market, it carries more than a product—it carries a story, a culture and an opportunity. That perspective was an important part of the conversation at the inaugural Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum (CCISTF) 2026, where we were pleased to welcome Nimal Amitirigala, President of Grace Foods Canada Inc., as a panelist. With more than 15 years of experience across the food and beverage sector, Nimal has built a global career spanning Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, with leadership experience across marketing, sales, technology and corporate strategy within the GraceKennedy Group. Today, as President of Grace Foods Canada, he leads the distribution of Caribbean and multicultural food products across the Canadian market—providing a practical perspective on what it takes for Caribbean-rooted brands to establish themselves, compete and grow internationally. For generations, Grace has represented a powerful connection between Caribbean heritage and the global marketplace. Its presence across Canadian grocery stores and communities demonstrates how food can become a vehicle for cultural connection while simultaneously creating pathways for trade, distribution, entrepreneurship and investment. At CCISTF, Nimal brought the private-sector perspective to an important question: how do Caribbean businesses move from local success to sustainable international growth? His experience offered valuable insight into market access, brand development, distribution, consumer engagement and the role the diaspora can play in creating new commercial pathways for Caribbean products and businesses. His contribution reinforced a central idea behind CCISTF: the diaspora is not simply a market—it can be a bridge between Caribbean businesses and the world. We thank Nimal for sharing his experience and perspective and for contributing to a conversation focused on transforming Caribbean talent, products and brands into globally connected opportunities. From Caribbean roots to global markets. 🌐caribcaninvest.com taken in Toronto Ontario Canada by @ccistf
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10 hours ago
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🎬 Panelist Spotlight | Gregory Williams — Orange Economy When creativity is connected to infrastructure, investment and opportunity, it becomes an economic force. That idea was central to the Orange Economy conversation at the inaugural Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum (CCISTF) 2026, where we were pleased to welcome Gregory Williams, Founding Partner of JUYAA Media and an accomplished Film & Television creative production professional. With a career spanning more than four decades, Gregory has built extensive experience across film and television production, technical consulting, equipment services, executive production and international collaboration. His professional journey has included work with established Canadian industry organizations such as William F. White and Panavision, as well as involvement with numerous international productions and recognized film and television projects. Through mentorship, education and industry development, Gregory has supported emerging filmmakers while helping cultivate relationships and production opportunities connecting Canada, Jamaica, Barbados, Mexico and other international markets. As a founding member of JUYAA Media, he is also contributing to efforts designed to help Caribbean filmmakers move their creative ideas from concept and script development toward production and broader opportunities within the screen industry. At CCISTF, Gregory brought a practical understanding of what it takes to transform creative talent into sustainable economic opportunity—where intellectual property, production infrastructure, financing, partnerships and international market access intersect. His perspective reinforced an important message from the Orange Economy discussion: the Caribbean’s creative talent represents not only cultural value, but significant potential for entrepreneurship, investment, employment and international trade. We thank Gregory for sharing his decades of experience and for contributing to a conversation focused on creating stronger pathways between Caribbean creativity and global opportunity. deas become stories. Stories become intellectual property. 🌐caribcaninvest taken in Toronto Ontario Canada by @ccistf
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11 hours ago
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🇧🇸 Panelist Spotlight | Leo Ryan Pinder, K.C. Policy shapes markets. Leadership creates pathways. And meaningful economic progress requires both. At the inaugural Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum (CCISTF) 2026, we were honoured to welcome Leo Ryan Pinder, K.C., Representative of the Minister of Economic Affairs, Government of The Bahamas, as a Day 2 panelist. With a career spanning law, public policy, international trade, financial services and economic development, Mr. Pinder brought a unique understanding of how government policy can influence investment, market access and private-sector growth. His experience includes serving as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of The Bahamas, where he acted as the Government’s principal legal adviser and contributed to significant legislative, regulatory and economic-policy initiatives. He has also represented The Bahamas in international discussions involving financial services, international tax cooperation and cross-border regulatory matters. As former Minister of Financial Services and Trade, his portfolio included international financial services, trade and industry policy, as well as engagement with organizations and frameworks including the World Trade Organization and CARIBCAN. At CCISTF, that experience added important depth to conversations surrounding the relationship between policy, investment and commercial opportunity. His perspective helped illuminate how Caribbean economies can strengthen international connections while creating an environment where businesses and investors can identify new avenues for growth. For the Bahamian and wider Caribbean diaspora in Canada, these conversations matter. Staying informed and connected creates greater awareness of developments across the region—and opens the door to deeper engagement in trade, investment, entrepreneurship and economic development. We thank Mr. Pinder for contributing his experience and perspective to CCISTF 2026 and for helping advance a broader conversation about the economic possibilities connecting Canada and The Bahamas. When policy, capital and opportunity meet, new pathways emerge. taken in Toronto Ontario Canada by @ccistf
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11 hours ago
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🇧🇸 Panelist Spotlight | Barry N. Griffin Trade is more than the movement of goods and services—it is about creating pathways between markets, businesses, institutions and people. At the inaugural Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum (CCISTF) 2026, we were pleased to welcome Barry N. Griffin, Trade Commissioner of The Bahamas and Chief Trade Negotiator, as a panelist contributing to the Summit’s broader conversation on Canada–Caribbean trade and investment. An attorney, businessman and international trade advocate, Mr. Griffin brought a multifaceted understanding of the forces shaping international commerce and the opportunities available to small and island economies. His experience extends across government, business, parliamentary affairs and international relations. He also serves as Co-Vice President of the Caribbean Bureau of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States Parliamentary Assembly and as a Board Member of the African Trade Chamber. His previous service as Vice President of the Senate of The Bahamas further reflects his longstanding engagement in public and economic affairs. At CCISTF, his perspective contributed to an important discussion around market access, economic diversification, regional coordination and the development of stronger commercial relationships beyond traditional markets. For Caribbean economies, expanding trade relationships is closely connected to creating new pathways for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses to participate in international markets. For the diaspora in Canada, these conversations also create greater awareness of the opportunities emerging across the region. Mr. Griffin’s contribution reinforced a key principle at the heart of CCISTF: stronger economic relationships begin with meaningful connections—and those connections must ultimately create pathways to opportunity. We thank Mr. Griffin for bringing his experience, perspective and commitment to Canada–Caribbean trade to our inaugural Summit and for helping advance a conversation that extends far beyond the conference stage. The markets may be different. The opportunity to connect them is shared. taken in Toronto Ontario Canada by @ccistf
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11 hours ago
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🇰🇳 Keynote Speaker Spotlight | The Honourable Marsha Tamika Henderson Some conversations are defined not only by the issues they address, but by the leadership and perspective brought into the room. At the inaugural Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum (CCISTF) 2026, we were honoured to welcome The Honourable Marsha Tamika Henderson, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, International Transport, Employment and Labour, and Urban Development for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, as a distinguished keynote speaker. Her participation brought an important perspective on the intersection of tourism, international connectivity, employment, workforce development and infrastructure—and the role each can play in advancing sustainable economic growth. Minister Henderson’s portfolio reflects the interconnected nature of modern economic development: creating opportunities for people, strengthening industries, improving connectivity and ensuring that growth translates into meaningful outcomes for communities and businesses. Her leadership in tourism, including her role as Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers: Tourism, further underscores the importance of tourism as a driver of employment, investment, foreign exchange, infrastructure development and community prosperity across the Eastern Caribbean. For CCISTF, her presence also represented an important connection to the St. Kitts and Nevis diaspora in Canada and the wider Caribbean community. Diaspora communities possess knowledge, relationships, entrepreneurial capacity and investment potential that can contribute meaningfully to the region’s continued development. Her keynote helped advance a central theme of CCISTF 2026: creating stronger connections between people, institutions, capital and opportunity across Canada and the Caribbean. We are grateful to Minister Henderson for sharing her leadership and perspective with our audience and for contributing to the dialogue shaping the next chapter of Canada–Caribbean economic engagement. The conversation has started. The opportunity is to turn connection into action. 🌐caribcaninvest.com by @ccistf
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11 hours ago
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Panelist Spotlight | Ryan Singh — Orange Economy Creative industries are no longer simply about culture and storytelling—they are increasingly engines of entrepreneurship, intellectual property, investment, employment and global trade. At the inaugural Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum (CCISTF) 2026, we were pleased to welcome Ryan Singh, Toronto-based, Guyanese-born award-winning filmmaker, producer, director and entrepreneur, to our Orange Economy discussion. As Founder of Ryan Singh Productions Ltd. and Co-Founder of All-In Media Group, Ryan brought more than two decades of experience across film, television and new media to a conversation focused on the commercial possibilities within the creative economy. His body of work offers a compelling example of how storytelling can transcend borders. His debut feature documentary, Ray of Hope, became an Oscar-qualifying film for the 97th Academy Awards and earned international recognition through awards and festival selections. He also co-directed Butt Seriously, an episode of CBC’s The Nature of Things that became the #1 streamed episode on CBC Gem. Beyond the screen, Ryan’s experience in production, directing, content development, distribution and international sales provided valuable insight into how creative talent can transform ideas and intellectual property into sustainable enterprises with global reach. His contribution to the Orange Economy discussion reinforced an important message: Caribbean and diaspora creatives have the talent, stories and ideas to compete globally when connected to the right capital, markets, networks and opportunities. We thank Ryan for bringing his entrepreneurial perspective and industry experience to CCISTF 2026 and for helping expand the conversation around the role of creativity in building stronger Canada–Caribbean economic connections. Creativity creates culture. Culture creates opportunity. And opportunity can create economies. 🌐caribcaninvest.com taken in Toronto Ontario Canada by @ccistf
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11 hours ago
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Panelist Spotlight | Her Excellency Brenda Wills The inaugural Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum (CCISTF) 2026 was strengthened by the insight and perspective of distinguished leaders who joined us in shaping meaningful conversations between Canada and the Caribbean. We were honoured to welcome Her Excellency Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, as a distinguished panelist of CCISTF 2026. Representing Canada across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, and serving as Canada’s Ambassador to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Her Excellency brought a valuable diplomatic and regional perspective to the Summit. With more than two decades of experience with Global Affairs Canada, her contributions reflected a depth of knowledge spanning diplomacy, trade policy, international economic relations and business development. During the Summit, Her Excellency contributed to important dialogue surrounding the evolving Canada–Caribbean relationship and the opportunities to advance trade, investment, economic cooperation and stronger institutional partnerships. Her participation reflected the very essence of CCISTF: bringing together government, diplomacy, business, investors, entrepreneurs and development partners to move beyond conversation and toward meaningful connections and opportunity. We are grateful to Her Excellency for lending her experience, perspective and voice to our inaugural Summit and for contributing to a dialogue that extends well beyond the conference room. Thank you, Your Excellency, for being part of the CCISTF 2026 story and helping shape the conversation on what is possible when Canada and the Caribbean come together. taken in Toronto Ontario Canada by @ccistf
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11 hours ago
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Diplomatic Leadership. Shared Vision. Global Opportunity. The strength of Canada–Caribbean relations is built through sustained dialogue, meaningful engagement and leaders willing to create space for new possibilities. At CCISTF 2026, we were privileged to welcome distinguished diplomatic representatives whose participation brought important perspectives to conversations on trade, investment, economic development and regional cooperation. Her Excellency Ms. Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, brought her experience and perspective to the Summit as a panelist, contributing to important conversations on strengthening relationships and expanding opportunities across Canada and the Caribbean. Her Excellency Ms. Marsha Coore Lobban, High Commissioner of Jamaica to Canada, joined the Summit alongside Jamaica’s delegation and JAMPRO Jamaica, reflecting Jamaica’s continued commitment to advancing trade, investment and meaningful business connections with Canada. His Excellency Mr. Michael Callan, High Commissioner of Canada to Trinidad and Tobago, joined the Summit as a speaker for the discussion, “Strengthening Canada–Caribbean Trade & Investment Partnerships,” offering valuable insights into the importance of sustained engagement and collaboration between Canada and the Caribbean. We were also pleased to welcome representatives of Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada, including Mr. Garrett Pratt, Deputy Director, Caribbean Program, and Mr. Michael Creighton, Senior Desk Officer, Caribbean Program, whose participation added an important international trade and policy dimension to the gathering. Their collective presence reflected something central to the CCISTF vision: meaningful progress happens when government, diplomacy, business and investment intersect around a shared purpose. We are grateful for the leadership, perspective and engagement brought to our inaugural Summit—and for being part of the foundation upon which future conversations and opportunities can be built. The first conversation has begun. The opportunity is to keep it moving forward. taken in Toronto Ontario Canada by @ccistf
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13 hours ago
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Celebrating the Voices That Shaped CCISTF 2026 Great conversations begin with people willing to share knowledge, challenge perspectives and imagine what is possible. The inaugural Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum (CCISTF) 2026 was elevated by an exceptional group of leaders, policymakers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, investors, academics and industry experts whose voices shaped two days of meaningful dialogue. We are proud to recognize: Dr. Chris Houser, Shullette Cox, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Chris Campbell, H.E. Brenda Wills, Ryan Singh, Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, Louis Lewis, Kelly-Ann Lewis, Mayor Patrick Brown, Leo Ryan Pinder, Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker, CD, J.P., Hesham Fahmy, Patricia Scarlett, H.E. Michael Callan, Asif Jasat, Denise McClure, Rezworth Burchenson, Consul General Gerry Hopkin, Rokhaya Gueye, Isaac Dream Maker Olowolafe, Dr. Suzanne Robinson Davis, Boyd Reid, Consul General Kurt Davis, Erica Henry-Jackman, FDIP, CITP – FIBP, Ec.D, Geraldine Isaac, Tharim Williams, Vice Consul Zeina Hechme, Peter C. (PC) Harris, Dr. Kay-Ann Williams, Ian Tolliver, Honorary Consul General Mani Singh, Nimal Amitirigala, Barry N. Griffin, Dr. Andrew Seepersad, Devon Harnarain, Iker Reyes Godelmann, Jean-Francois Sonson, Ayo Owodunni MBET, Leighton Smith, and Dr. Nadine McLeod, Ph.D. A special expression of appreciation to our Emcee, Dr. Nadine McLeod, Ph.D., whose professionalism, presence and energy helped guide the Summit throughout two impactful days. Through keynote addresses, presentations, panel discussions and fireside conversations, you brought depth and perspective to critical conversations surrounding trade, investment, entrepreneurship, tourism, innovation and economic development. Your contributions did more than inform. They connected people, opened possibilities and encouraged new thinking about the future of Canada–Caribbean relations. Thank you for lending your voices, expertise and experience to our inaugural Summit and for helping turn meaningful dialogue into meaningful opportunity. The bridge has been built. Now, together, we must continue to cross it. taken in Toronto Ontario Canada by @ccistf
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13 hours ago
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Diplomacy. Dialogue. Opportunity. Partnership. 🇨🇦🌴 The success of the inaugural Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum was strengthened by the presence and engagement of the Caribbean diplomatic community in Toronto. CCISTF extends its appreciation to the Consuls General, Consular representatives and diplomatic leaders who helped bring a truly Canada–Caribbean conversation into the room—connecting governments, institutions, investors and business leaders around a shared interest in deeper economic cooperation. We recognize Consul General Mr. Gerry Hopkin of Grenada and Consul General Mr. Kurt Davis of Jamaica for their meaningful engagement in the journey toward the Summit, helping strengthen Consular participation and providing valuable counsel along the way. We also acknowledge Consul General Mr. Henry Mangal of Saint Lucia, whose moderation and Day 1 Closing Plenary reinforced the importance of moving from discussion toward practical collaboration. Our gratitude extends to Cuba’s Consul General Mr. Victor Manuel García Sánchez, represented by Ms. Isaylin Cabañas, Economic and Commercial Counsellor; Consul General Mr. Clayton Fernander of The Bahamas and Vice Consul Mr. Dwight Hart; and Honorary Consul General Mr. Mani Singh of Guyana, whose participation further enriched the Summit’s regional perspective. We recognize Consul General Ms. Simone Young of Trinidad and Tobago, including the participation of Minister Mr. Keran Manohar; Consul General Ms. Gail Christian of Antigua and Barbuda and Vice Consul Ms. Zeina Hechme; and Consul General Mr. Anthony Branker and Vice Consul Mr. Kurt Haynes DCG J.P. of Barbados. Though unable to attend, Honorary Consul General of Haiti, Dr. Eric Pierre, also extended his support to this inaugural initiative. To every Caribbean diplomatic representative who contributed, attended or encouraged this vision from afar: your presence helped give this platform greater meaning and reach. CCISTF was created to advance more than conversation—to cultivate relationships capable of opening doors to trade, investment, innovation and shared prosperity across Canada and the Caribbean. taken in Toronto Ontario Canada by @ccistf
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13 hours ago
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