Special Meeting Of The Shareholders Of
First Citizens Group Financial Holdings Limited

Shankar Bidaisee

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.

Mr Bidaisee’s leadership is also evident as he now serves as Chairman of both UDeCOTT and First Citizens Holdings Limited. He is a member of the Council of the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago and was instrumental in the creation and development of the Financial Intelligence Unit’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Financing of Terrorism framework for the Legal Profession. Mr Bidaisee’s key focus is compliance and he is committed to upholding the law and promoting good corporate governance in the banking and other sectors.

Dr Sterling K Frost, O.R.T.T, DBA, MBA, FCG, ACC. DIR.

Dr Sterling K Frost is an accomplished banking and governance leader with more than four decades of international experience spanning North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. His career reflects a strong combination of strategic vision, operational excellence and board level governance expertise in highly regulated, multijurisdictional environments.

As Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Operations and Administration of First Citizens, he oversaw mission critical functions including legal, compliance and governance, technology, human capital, brand and marketing, operations and shared services, and strategic planning. He concluded this executive role upon attaining the normal retirement age in December 2023 marking the close of a distinguished chapter in executive leadership.

Alongside his executive career, Dr Frost has built and continues to maintain an extensive governance portfolio across banking, energy, manufacturing, education, philanthropy and the public sector. He has held directorships on the boards of leading banking institutions such as Citibank (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, Banco Citibank Honduras, Cititarjetas de Nicaragua, Banco Citibank Panama, First Citizens Bank (Barbados) Limited, First Citizens Trustee Services Limited (Trinidad), First Citizens Investment Services Limited (Trinidad) and First Citizens Investment Services (Barbados) Limited. He also strengthens his governance expertise through service on several board committees of the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada, including the Audit and Risk Committee, the Examination Assessment Review Panel and the Governance and Admissions Committee. Across these roles, he has contributed to strategic direction, governance compliance, financial oversight, risk management and regional integration.

His governance contributions further include directorships in the energy and utilities sector with St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited and in manufacturing and beverages with Angostura Holdings Limited, Angostura Limited and Trinidad Distillers. 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, as well as having served as an Assessor at the Industrial Court. He has also chaired philanthropic organisations such as the Angostura Foundation and First Citizens Foundation and currently chairs the Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) NGO. In higher education, he has contributed extensively to The University of the West Indies (UWI) having served as a Director of the UWI Mona School of Business and Management. He currently serves as Professor of Practice in Management Studies and chairs 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. In the diplomatic sphere, he serves as Honorary Consul of Costa Rica to Trinidad and Tobago, advancing bilateral cooperation and representing national interests.

In academia, alongside his corporate career Dr Frost has for the past 23 years served as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at The University of the West Indies where he continues to teach across undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education programmes. Over this period, he has designed and delivered a suite of more than 25 management courses and seminars. His scholarly work includes the landmark publication Calibrating Organizational Culture: A Dialectical Model Towards Competitive Advantage, which synthesises decades of global leadership 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. Additionally, he is a University of California, Berkeley certified Executive Coach and a Prosci certified Change Practitioner.

Recognised for his ability to bridge governance, strategy and execution, he has received the nation’s highest honour, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) in the spheres of Banking, Education and Community Service, as well as the Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago’s Distinguished Fellowship Award for advancing the theory and practice of Banking and Finance.

Crystelle Smith

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.

Prakash Dhanrajh

Mr Prakash Dhanrajh has dedicated over four decades to the financial services sector, building extensive expertise in corporate lending and investments, financial restructuring, corporate recoveries, and cross-border lending.

With academic qualifications in Business Management (BSc. UWI) and Development Banking (IDI Ireland), he has successfully led financial institutions at the executive and CEO level, and has served as a Director on numerous Central Bank – regulated financial institutions both locally and across the region.

Mr Dhanrajh brings more than 25 years of boardroom experience, contributing to private sector manufacturing and financial institutions, including service on Audit and Investment Board Committees, and as Chairman. His ability to analyse businesses and deliver practical financial solutions has helped companies of all sizes across the region achieve profitable growth.

A pioneer in the microcredit and small enterprise sector, he played a key role in establishing and managing private sector microcredit companies in Trinidad and regionally. He remains deeply committed to advancing financial sector development, with a focus on entrepreneurship, savings mobilisation and financial inclusion.

Recognised for his drive, professionalism, discretion, and reputation for excellence, Mr. Dhanrajh continues to dedicate his time to supporting the growth and transformation of the business community.

Sandy Roopchand

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 2007, 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.

Jo-Anne Boodoosingh

Ms Jo-Anne Boodoosingh 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. She enjoys outdoor running and travelling.

Javan Lewis

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 endeavors, 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.

Nichelle Granderson, MBA, BSP, OKRP, KPIP

Nichelle Granderson is the Managing Director and Principal Consultant of a leading regional consulting firm specialising in Executive Strategy Training and the design of transformative business solutions. Her firm is a Global Technical Partner of the Balanced Scorecard Institute, part of the Strategy Management Group based in the United States.

Over the past decade, Ms Granderson has served as an adjunct consultant at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business and currently holds an executive HR leadership role at a state-owned utility. Her career spans more than twenty-one (21) years, supporting Boards, Group and Country CEOs, and leading high-performing teams across diverse industries including Banking & Finance, Telecommunications, Retail, Technology, Manufacturing & Distribution, Academia, Food & Beverage, and National/ Regional 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 and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, complemented by international and local professional certifications in: Saville™ Wave Psychometric Assessment; Hult University™ Organisation Design; Competency Framework Development and Industrial Relations Management.

Her expertise includes leading strategic planning and HR transformation initiatives using the Balanced Scorecard methodology across both public and private sectors. She has worked extensively with Boards and Executive Teams to craft and execute corporate and functional strategies. Ms Granderson brings deep experience in: Strategic Planning, Performance Management and Measurement; Organisation Design and Change Management; Governance and Policy Development; Total Rewards Management; Employee Engagement and Industrial Relations Management; HR Information Systems & Auditing; Business Process Reengineering; Readiness Assessments; Organisation Effectiveness Analysis and Business Model Conceptualisation & Tool Design.

Her dual experience as both a consultant and corporate executive positions her as a strategic asset, particularly in driving organisational effectiveness, governance, and sustainable growth.

Ms Granderson was appointed to the Board of First Citizens Holdings Limited as a Director on August 25, 2025.