PATRIOT BUILDER MOVER

I am Vasant Bharath, a passionate advocate for a better, safer and stronger Trinidad and Tobago. My journey has been marked by hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of my fellow citizens.

 

Over the past three decades, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles that have enriched my perspective and empowered me to drive positive change in our nation. I grew up with a profound appreciation for our nation's rich cultural heritage and diverse communities. I pursued my studies in the UK, which provided me with a global perspective and a deep understanding of international economic dynamics. My qualifications include being a Fellow of the Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), holding a Master's in Law (LLM) specializing in Intellectual Property, and earning a Master's in Business Administration (MBA). This education has been crucial in shaping my career and my approach to policy-making.

 

My professional journey began in the private sector, where I gained invaluable experience in business management and strategic planning. This foundation proved instrumental when I transitioned into public service. As the CEO of Nutrimix Flour Mills Ltd, I achieved a 40% market share in just 18 months, demonstrating strong leadership and strategic vision. As a Senior Consultant to Air India and Indian Airlines, I negotiated alliances with Virgin Airlines and British Airways for the proposed privatization, showcasing my ability to handle complex international negotiations. In my role as Head of Global Marketing at Gulf Oil, I managed marketing functions across 55 countries, realigning the brand globally and achieving consistency and growth. While serving as the European General Manager at Thomas Cook Plc, I generated new revenue streams of GBP 20 million through strategic initiatives, collaborating with the Boston Consulting Group - we were also able to launch the world’s first platform for the sale of commercial foreign exchange. I also held leadership roles as the CEO at National Flour Mills Limited and Managing Director at Agostini Industries Ltd, where I led company growth and operational efficiency through innovative strategies.

 

In the public sector, I have served in several key ministerial roles. As a Member of Parliament for St. Augustine from 2007 to 2010, I worked tirelessly to address the needs of my constituents. As Minister of Food Production, Land, and Marine Affairs, I led the largest land distribution program since 1966, delivering over 4,000 acres of agricultural land to farmers. My tenure as Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment saw Trinidad and Tobago's ease of doing business ranking improve from 88 to 62, earning recognition as one of the top 10 reformers globally by the World Bank in 2015. We reduced the time to open a business from 72 days to just 2, and under my leadership, the Ministry received the UN Public Service Award (1st place in Latin America and the Caribbean) in 2013. We were also recognized by UNCTAD for sustainable energy investments. As Minister in the Ministry of Finance, I oversaw the functioning of over 55 state entities across various sectors, including energy, banking, and agriculture. I successfully negotiated funding arrangements with the Exim Bank of China, totaling 750 million USD, to construct seven industrial parks and a major port facility. I chaired the cabinet-appointed committee overseeing the government's bailout of CLICO and successfully negotiated a financial settlement with CLICO policyholders. As Minister of Communications, I engaged in vital communication strategies and policy implementations to enhance transparency and information dissemination.

 

In addition to these roles, I have been actively involved in government and community leadership. I have served as Chairman of the National Health Council and the National Food Council, advocating for food security and agricultural development. As a member of the National Security Council, I contributed to national security strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was part of the Roadmap to Recovery Committee, reporting directly to the Prime Minister on strategic plans to navigate the challenges. I have also been a consultant to SMEs, developing export markets and advising the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago. As Chairman of the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC), I expanded the fleet size and improved service efficiency, increasing the on-time arrival of buses by 65%. I have been involved with the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA), setting up TTMA’s first exports committee and leading the export thrust into South and Central America. Additionally, I have worked with the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) and the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) to support industrial research and development, fostering innovation and growth.

 

Beyond my professional accomplishments, I am deeply committed to community service. I believe in the power of giving back and have actively participated in various charitable organizations and initiatives. Whether it is supporting local schools, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or engaging in community development projects, I strive to make a positive impact at the grassroots level.

 

Family is at the heart of everything I do. I am blessed with a loving and supportive family who inspires me every day. My wife, children, and grandson are my greatest champions, and their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my success.

 

In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening, and exploring the natural beauty of Trinidad and Tobago. These moments provide me with the balance and perspective needed to continue my work with passion and vigor. I also have a passion for cooking, vintage cars, and cricket.

 

As I look to the future, my vision for Trinidad and Tobago is clear: a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable nation where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. I am excited about the possibilities ahead and remain committed to serving my country with integrity, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.