AmCham CEO: BLM movement revelant to TT

CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Nirad Tewarie says while people face all forms of discrimination at home, the black lives matter (BLM) movement is particularly relevant in TT.

Speaking at AmCham's virtual annual general meeting on Wednesday, which saw Patricia Ghany elected for a third term as the organisation's president, Tewarie said the lobby group has and will continue to advocate against discrimination in all forms.

"It is important to say unequivocally that black lives matter."

Tewarie's address focused particularly on the need for people at home to understand the message BLM the slogan sends. "That statement... that movement is relevant to our societal context. It’s also real here, whether we would like to admit it or not."

He added that saying BLM, does not negate other forms of discrimination, but said the organisation has "spoken out in the past and will speak about other related issues when it was, and it becomes necessary to do so again."

"However, at this moment, all around the world, there is a need for all people who believe in equity, fairness and justice to raise their voices and acknowledge that institutions and systems that have resulted in chronic and systemic inequality. We must address these systems even as we accept, acknowledge and discuss our individual biases.

"Such conversations, if entered into openly and honestly, with learning as the main objective, will only make our society stronger. We will continue to do our part and listen so that we can be an even better advocate of change and champion of equality."