First Citizens Investment Services

Mr Shankar Bidaisee is an attorney-at-law of eighteen (18) years’ admission to the Bar in Trinidad and Tobago and is based in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, an LLB Bachelor of Laws from the University of London, Master of Laws in Corporate & Commercial Law (UWI).

Throughout his career, Mr Bidaisee has demonstrated a deep commitment to legal practice, profession and corporate leadership. He began his professional journey as a Secondary School teacher before transitioning to the legal profession in which he now specialises in commercial and insurance litigation and real property litigation over the past eighteen (18) years. His legal expertise also extends to public service, having, inter alia, served as Counsel to the Commission of Enquiry into the conduct of several financial institutions including CLICO, Clico Investment Bank, Hindu Credit Union and others.

In addition to his legal career, Mr Bidaisee has played key roles in State Boards and other Statutory Bodies. He served as a Director at Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad & Tobago Limited (UDeCOTT), where he managed key national projects. He also served as a Member of Council of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago for approximately sixteen (16) years where he also held executive positions and as a Member of the Mediation Board of Trinidad and Tobago under the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago.

Professor of Practice Dr Sterling K Frost, O.R.T.T., DBA, MBA, FCG, Acc. Dir. is an accomplished leader in banking, governance, human resources and academia with more than four decades of international experience across North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. His distinguished career combines strategic vision, operational excellence and deep board level governance expertise in highly regulated, multijurisdictional and multisectoral environments spanning banking, energy, manufacturing, education, philanthropy and the public sector.

Dr Frost previously served as Director of Human Resources for Citibank Latin America where he had oversight of 25,000 employees serving 1.2 million clients across 14 countries. This role deepened his experience in managing large scale, multinational and multicultural operations within a highly competitive and regulated financial services environment. He later joined First Citizens where he served as Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Operations and Administration, with executive oversight of legal, compliance and governance, technology, human capital, brand and marketing, operations and shared services and strategic planning. He concluded this executive role in December 2023 upon reaching the normal retirement age, marking the close of a remarkable chapter in corporate leadership.

He holds the role of Deputy Chairman across several entities within the First Citizens Group, including First Citizens Holdings Limited, First Citizens Group Financial Holdings Limited, First Citizens Bank Limited, First Citizens Bank (Barbados) Limited, First Citizens Depository Services Limited, First Citizens Trustee Services Limited, First Citizens Investment Services Limited, First Citizens Portfolio & Investment Management Services Limited and First Citizens Brokerage & Advisory Services Limited. He is also Vice President of First Citizens Costa Rica S A. He previously served on the boards of Citibank (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, Banco Citibank Honduras, Cititarjetas de Nicaragua, Banco Citibank Panama and First Citizens Investment Services (Barbados) Limited.

Dr Frost has held directorships in the energy and manufacturing sectors including with St Lucia Electricity Services Limited, Angostura Holdings Limited, Angostura Limited and Trinidad Distillers Limited. In the public sector he served as Deputy Chairman of the Public Service Commission and continues to serve as Deputy Chairman of the Statutory Authorities Service Commission of Trinidad and Tobago. He also served as an Assessor at the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago.

He was the founding Chairman of both the First Citizens Foundation and the Angostura Foundation, playing a pivotal role in shaping their philanthropic missions and currently serves as Deputy Chairman of the First Citizens Foundation. Dr Frost also serves as President and Chairman of the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada where he previously contributed to several board committees including the Audit and Risk Committee, the Examination Assessment Review Panel and the Governance and Admissions Committee. He currently chairs the Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) a leading NGO in Trinidad and Tobago.

In higher education, Dr Frost contributes extensively to The University of the West Indies (UWI), previously serving as a Director of the UWI Mona School of Business and Management. He currently serves as Professor of Practice in Management Studies and chairs several UWI boards including the UWI Development and Endowment Fund Board, the UWI Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development Advisory Board, the UWI Faculty of Social Sciences Advisory Board and the UWI Institute for Gender and Development Studies Advisory Board.

He also represents Costa Rica in the diplomatic sphere as Honorary Consul to Trinidad and Tobago supporting bilateral cooperation and the advancement of national interests.

Dr Frost has lectured at The University of the West Indies for over 23 years as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer teaching across undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education programmes. He has designed and delivered more than 25 management courses and seminars and is the author of the landmark publication Calibrating Organizational Culture: A Dialectical Model Towards Competitive Advantage, which synthesises decades of leadership experience into a framework for aligning culture, knowledge sharing and performance.

He holds both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Business Administration from The University of the West Indies and maintains professional designations as an Accredited Director and Chartered Secretary from the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada. He is also a certified Executive Coach by the University of California, Berkeley and a certified Change Practitioner by Prosci.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions in the fields of banking, education and community service, Dr Frost was awarded the nation’s highest honour, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (O.R.T.T.). He is also the first individual in the history of the Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago to receive the Distinguished Fellowship Award for advancing the theory and practice of banking and finance. His achievements in human capital development have been recognised with the Maxine Barnett Award for HR Excellence from the Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago. He is also the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus having been named one of 50 Inaugural Distinguished Alumni as part of UWI’s 50th Anniversary celebrations selected from a pool of 25,000 graduates that includes Prime Ministers, business leaders, judges and leading educators. This award recognises individuals who exemplify worldclass performance, innovation, critical thinking, societal advancement and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Ms Nichelle Granderson is a Strategy and Human Resources expert with over two decades of experience operating in markets throughout the Caribbean Region. She is the Managing Director and Principal Consultant of a leading regional consulting firm specialising in Executive Training in Strategic Planning as well as the design of Business Transformation Solutions geared towards effective Strategy and Human Resources Management. It is noteworthy that her firm is a Global Technical Partner of the Balanced Scorecard Institute, part of the Strategy Management Group based in the United States.

Ms Granderson currently holds an Executive Human Resources Leadership Role at a large State Agency and also serves as an Adjunct Consultant at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. In her career, she has worked with Multinational Organisations advising Boards, Regional Group and Country CEOs, while leading high-performing teams across diverse industries including Banking & Finance, Telecommunications, Retail, Technology, Manufacturing & Distribution, Academia, Food & Beverage, and CARICOM Development.

Ms Granderson is certified by the Balanced Scorecard Institute and the George Washington University College of Professional Studies™ as a: Balanced Scorecard Strategic Planning Professional; Key Performance Indicators Professional and Objectives & Key Results Professional.

She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the Anglia Ruskin University, complemented by international and local professional certifications in: Saville™ Wave Psychometric Assessment; Hult University™ Organisation Design; Competency Framework Development and Industrial Relations Management.

Ms Sandy Roopchand serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Castle Limited. In her capacity as CEO, she brings over twenty (20) years of leadership experience, with a proven track record in the management of Finance, Sales and Operations within the fast food sector. Throughout her illustrious career, she has demonstrated exceptional expertise in guiding the organisation to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and financial stability.

Since assuming executive leadership, Ms Roopchand has overseen the successful expansion of the organisation with the addition of twenty-five (25) new locations, thus strengthening the Company’s presence in the market. This growth undoubtedly reflects her strategic vision, strong financial stewardship and ability to align operations with long-term business goals.

As an impactful and effective leader, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively with global stakeholders in the quick-service restaurant industry. Her strategic vision, combined with strong and insightful leadership, has positioned Royal Castle Limited as an industry leader.

A qualified Accountant since 2002, Ms Roopchand possesses extensive knowledge and experience in Auditing, Financial Reporting, Analysis, Forecasting and Project Management. She combines this financial expertise with practical operational management, ensuring that business decisions are both data-driven and strategically sound.

In addition to her professional qualifications, Ms Roopchand holds a Certificate and Master Certificate in Food Service Management from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, underscoring a deep commitment to continuous professional development and industry best practices.

Beyond corporate leadership, Ms Roopchand is committed to philanthropic and community building initiatives. She actively supports initiatives that advance education, empower youth, and strengthen local communities, reflecting a belief that successful organisations must contribute meaningfully to the wider society.

Known for her results-oriented leadership style and commitment to excellence, Ms Roopchand continues to drive the organisation towards innovation, operational efficiency and sustained growth while shaping the future of the fast-food industry.

Ms Crystelle Smith is a seasoned human resources and talent strategy leader with over two decades of experience in banking, finance, and professional services across the Caribbean. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to align people strategies with business objectives, driving organisational resilience, strengthening governance, and cultivating robust talent pipelines.

Crystelle began her career in frontline banking operations before transitioning into human resources, where she led regional initiatives in benefits administration, workforce planning, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions. She later advanced within the global professional services sector, partnering with senior leadership to design and implement innovative learning and development strategies that enhanced employee capabilities and organisational performance.

In addition to her professional expertise, Crystelle has a long-standing personal commitment to education. For more than 15 years, she has tutored Spanish to students and professionals of all ages, fostering both language proficiency and cultural confidence. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she brings agility in navigating multicultural environments and building meaningful connections across diverse groups.

Crystelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a Minor in Human Resource Management from The University of the West Indies and has pursued advanced studies in project management and marketing through Heriot-Watt University’s MBA programme. She is also certified in Lean Six Sigma, public speaking, and facilitation excellence.

Recognised as a collaborative leader and trusted advisor, Crystelle has worked closely with C-suite executives, regulators, and international professional bodies to shape workforce strategies that align with organisational goals. As a member of the Board of Directors, she contributes expertise in HR strategy, governance, and talent development, supporting the bank’s sustained growth, resilience, and long-term stakeholder value.

Mr Javan Lewis is a distinguished leader and the visionary founder of Jlew Signature Events Limited, a standout company within the event and project management sector. With over 15 years of extensive experience, Javan has been pivotal in pioneering innovative approaches to project planning and execution, consistently extending the boundaries of creativity and technological integration.

He earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University. Under his guidance since 2007, and officially trademarked in 2014, Jlew Signature Events Limited embarked on a transformative journey to redefine how projects are conceptualised and delivered.

Jlew Signature Events Limited has seen significant growth, managing over 150 high-profile projects annually across local, regional, and international landscapes. Javan’s strategic vision has not only broadened the company’s client base but has also fortified its standing as an industry leader renowned for excellence in project management, with a keen focus on celebrating Caribbean culture and traditions.

A hallmark of Javan’s leadership is his unwavering commitment to innovation. He emphasises that each project should narrate a compelling story and create enduring memories by leveraging state-of-the-art technology. His foresight in trend dynamics positions the company at the vanguard of the industry, collaborating with elite vendors and creative professionals to ensure exemplary service.

In his role as Managing Director, Javan cultivates a culture of collaboration and empowerment within his team. He champions the idea that valuable insights can originate from any level within the organisation and promotes an environment of open communication and continuous learning. This ethos has resulted in a vibrant, diverse team that thrives on creativity and passion.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Javan actively engages in philanthropic efforts, supporting local communities through the funding of charitable projects. His commitment to excellence in project management and his innovative spirit continue to propel Jlew Signature Events Limited to new heights, inspiring peers and setting a benchmark in the management industry.

Ms Jo-Anne Boodoosingh is an Attorney-at-Law and Senior Business Executive currently holding the position of Director of Executive Education at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, University of the West Indies.

Over the last twenty-five (25) years, Ms Boodoosingh amassed a series of diverse experience in Education, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Performance Management, Law and Governance, Organisation Development and Strategy. Over the last fifteen (15) years her focus has been in the areas of Corporate Training, Employee Development, Institutional Performance and Industrial Relations. Ms Boodoosingh stands as a dynamic senior leadership executive recognised for transforming organisations through innovation, strong governance and operational excellence. In her current portfolio, she leads an intellectually powered design and sales team in charge of intangible products and services across the region. In this role, Ms Boodoosingh has successfully led numerous high impact projects that streamline operations, enhance leadership effectiveness and foster a performance driven culture. She has a proven track record in revenue management, employee and people development and managing high performing teams.

Throughout the years, her work allowed her to design learning solutions customised for organisational performance and business growth across the region and she previously served on the board of a not-for-profit for eight (8) years. With extensive experience negotiating across borders, navigating diverse environments and aligning different stakeholder needs, ethical decision making, transparency and accountability are vital to her for sustaining collaborative relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders.

Having attained a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with distinction from the University of New Brunswick (UNB), Canada, she subsequently graduated from the Institute of Business, University of the West Indies with a Distinction MBA. She also holds an LLB from the University of London and an LEC from Hugh Wooding Law School.

Ms Boodoosingh is trained in executive negotiations from the Harvard Business School and holds a Professional Certificate in Events Management from the George Washington University and is trained in mediation from The University of the West Indies.

She lectures in Governance, Corporate Law, Corporate Social Responsibility, Selling and Sales Force Management, and Human Resources Management.

Ms Tricia McNeil-Beckles is an experienced Attorney-at-Law and Notary Public with over two decades of legal practice across the public and private sectors in Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica. She currently practices in Tobago with one of the country’s leading law firms, where she delivers progressive, client-focused services in conveyancing, commercial law, and real estate advisory. Her portfolio also includes litigation and legal advisory work across a broad spectrum of civil matters, building on her earlier professional experience within Jamaica’s legal landscape.

During her distinguished tenure in the Trinidad & Tobago public sector, Ms. McNeil-Beckles held senior legal and managerial positions, developing deep expertise in land, company, and civil transactions. Motivated by a strong commitment to dignified, customer-centred public service, she led transformative initiatives that significantly reduced service delivery wait times and expanded the range of services available to the public demonstrating her effectiveness as both a legal strategist and an operations leader.

Ms McNeil-Beckles currently serves as the Chairman of the Fund Management Committee under the Division of Finance, Trade and the Economy of the Tobago House of Assembly, a role she has held for the past three years. The committee is tasked with supporting economic development through making recommendations for the strategic disbursement of loans and grants to key sectors and stakeholders.

Beyond her legal and governance roles, she is also deeply committed to youth development and civic engagement. Through her longstanding involvement in established service organisations including leadership roles at both district and national levels, Ms McNeil-Beckles actively supports communication, leadership training, and community outreach initiatives.

Ms McNeil-Beckles brings a strong academic foundation to her professional work. She holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Corporate and Commercial Laws from the University of London, a Certificate of Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School, and a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from The University of the West Indies. Her legal and quantitative training equips her with a unique ability to analyse risk, engage in operations research, interpret regulatory frameworks, and contribute meaningfully to governance and strategic oversight.