News & Insights

Pollard and Ramnarine invest in sustainability company

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 22:17:00 GMT

West Indian cricketing icons, Kieron Pollard and Dinanath Ramnarine have concreted their commitment to reducing global greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions with the establishment of their start-up GoElectricTT.

Seated from Left to Right:

Trevor Nicholas Gomez (Director), Frank Teelucksingh (Director and Co-Founder), Kieron Pollard (Investor), Joel Monty Pemberton (Chairman and Co-Founder), Dinanath Ramnarine (Investor)

In February 2024, the duo signed a contract with the International Development Bank (IDB) to provide support funding for the GoElectricTT initiative, through which they will engage corporate entities to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) as an important part of the solution to reduce emissions and move closer to targets contained in the Paris Agreement.

Pollard and Ramnarine believe that the younger generation will be the ones to act, and lead change through their buying power that will influence policy and result in definitive action. The Millennial, Gen Z and Generation Alpha are acutely aware that making the right conscious choices today, is a key factor to averting the looming environmental and economic crisis.

The reduction of GHG emissions requires such emissions to be accurately measured, with cohesive strategies to decarbonise in a collaborative and pragmatic way.

Pollard and Ramnarine’s sustainability drive extends to their investment in Blewcoast, a firm specialising in certified emissions measurement, accounting, and reporting. The firm’s focus is very much connected with this demographic of future leaders, and the future of work. As the world negotiates its way through the energy transition, Blewcoast has a cadre of highly skilled individuals in the fields of accounting, assurance, environmental sciences and engineering to support decarbonisation.

“This is about sustainability and securing the future for the next generation”, said Pollard. “Unless we take immediate and deliberate action to tackle climate change and confront greenwashing, our children will face a bleak future of rising temperatures, rising sea levels, food insecurity and resulting economic decline.”

Ramnarine, who has had a lengthy involvement with youth through sports said, “This is a turning point for decarbonising global industries. Blewcoast is totally in sync with our objectives to build awareness and drive solutions to address the Global carbon reduction challenge. We are proud to be part of this, where sport, accounting, environmental scientist and energy expertise collaborate as one team, with one common objective. As with cricket, it takes a team with the right skills, clear strategy, and flawless execution to win, our win is for global sustainability.”

Commenting on the partnership, Joel ‘Monty’ Pemberton, Co-Founder and Chairman of Blewcoast said, “What gets measured, gets done. As with sport, it takes teamwork to win, our win is global decarbonisation in a sustainable and pragmatic manner. As leaders, our actions will speak louder than our words, and it is our duty to leave our planet in a better place than when we got here. Kieron and Dinas sporting leadership skills complements Blewcoast’s existing skills anchored from Trinidad & Tobago’s energy industry, which is global powerhouse in the natural gas, LNG, Methanol, Ammonia and Steel industries. As humans, we share this common challenge, and we can all win through powerful collaboration, understanding the need for pragmatism through this journey, will result in positive outcomes for humanity.”

Frank Teelucksingh, Co-Founder of Blewcoast said, “The journey to reduce GHG is a shared one; from small community initiatives to collaboration across borders. It is in this spirit that we welcome Kieron and Dinas to the team. Their journey to help create a better world is our journey as well. This collaboration will help expand our engagement with communities across the globe especially with the younger generation whose future we shape today.”

MEDIA RELEASE - Blewcoast signals a new era in environmental sustainability

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:53:16 GMT

New joint venture integrates strategic measurement, assurance and accounting, and strategic decarbonisation (SAS)

Calgary, Canada – Thursday 23 ^rd November, 2023 – BLEWSTREAM Ecosystem and Coastal Dynamics Limited are pleased to announce their new joint venture, “Blewcoast,” a future-forward way for businesses to engage with the demands for a sustainable world.

The BLEWSTREAM Ecosystem is a global professional services firm providing in-demand skills, resources, and expertise to meet diverse business needs. Coastal Dynamics is a leading environmental consulting firm providing innovative environmental solutions globally.

Blewcoast combines the experience and talents of both organisations to help businesses measure, account, report and reduce GHG emissions in a structured and pragmatic manner. Blewcoast’s innovative, tailored, and commercially viable service integrates all of the services required for Strategic decarbonisation, Measurement, Accounting, and Reporting, using Technology to facilitate the delivery of these services, bespoke to each client.

In a world where regulatory frameworks and international standards are rapidly evolving, organisations are pressed to accurately measure and report their GHG emissions and develop cohesive strategies to effectively reduce these emissions. Blewcoast is at the forefront of this challenge, leveraging the international energy and environmental expertise of Trinidad and Tobago in an advanced SMART Solution, which includes:

A customisable and rapidly deployable comprehensive Sustainability Management System.

Integration of precise GHG emission Measurement adhering to ISO 14064 and GHG Protocol standards.

Advisory services on pragmatic and commercially viable GHG Reduction Strategies, complete with guidance, monitoring, and project management.

Accountable Reporting mechanisms aligned with diverse regulatory frameworks.

A Technology-driven ecosystem offering real-time data, machine learning, and AI analytics for insightful trend analyses and decarbonisation.

This integrated approach is designed to overcome the challenges of traditional GHG measurement accounting, counteract greenwashing, and navigate the complexities of compliance and economic feasibility in implementing sustainability functions.

Strategic Vision and Global Expertise

The driving force behind Blewcoast is the collective expertise of Joel ‘Monty’ Pemberton, Nicholas Gomez, and Frank Teelucksingh, who together bring over 100 years of experience in energy, environmental services, and auditing. With a robust team of 140 professionals and offices in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; Calgary, Canada; and Manila, Philippines, Blewcoast leverages this wealth of experience for strategic growth, robust assurance and accounting, scientific rigour, and sustainability.

Pemberton, known for his successful delivery of complex offshore and onshore oil and gas projects, emphasizes Blewcoast's innovative approach: "What Gets Measured, Gets Managed! With Blewcoast, we go beyond just measurement; we're pioneering a paradigm shift. We are actively guiding our clients towards pragmatic decarbonisation strategies for a sustainable future, with an approach deeply rooted in the globally recognised high-quality skills of Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector that is now ingeniously adaptable across all industries. Our unique blend of skills and experience ensures that organisations across all sectors can now confidently navigate the complexities of GHG management with a fully integrated, competitive service offering.”

Gomez, Gomez, with his extensive background in auditing and accounting, underscores the significance of an integrated approach: "At Blewcoast, we're reshaping the landscape of environmental accountability. Our innovative approach is a beacon in the complex world of GHG reporting and reduction, guiding organisations in today's environmentally conscious market. Our integrated services are not just a necessity; they are a benchmark of excellence. We bring a methodology that's not only robust but revolutionary, offering unparalleled assurance. This comprehensive assurance empowers organisations not only to meet, but exceed diverse regulatory and audit requirements, setting a new standard in environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility."

Teelucksingh, a pioneer in environmental management and reporting, adds: "At Blewcoast, we are deeply committed to precision and accountability in environmental stewardship. Our meticulous approach to identifying and quantifying all emission sources is rooted in rigorous scientific methodology. We ensure that every aspect of our GHG emissions measurement adheres to the highest standards of accuracy and is fully auditable, in strict compliance with ISO 14064 standards and GHG protocols. Our accreditation in these protocols is more than a credential; it's a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing reliable, transparent, and scientifically sound environmental assessments. This commitment is at the heart of our mission, as we strive to set new benchmarks in environmental reporting and sustainability."

A Milestone for Global Sustainability

Blewcoast is redefining how organisations approach GHG emissions management, transitioning from fragmented methods to a cohesive, transparent, and effective system. This launch is a pivotal step in achieving global sustainability goals and showcases the innovative spirit and rich innovative and environmental legacy of Trinidad and Tobago.

Perhaps it’s time we humanize each other more.

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:25:21 GMT

To listen, and be listened to, is one of the most human things we can do. When was the last time you shared a dream of yours? A creative idea? Or even a discomfort with someone? Who was it with? Was it with a loved one, or a close friend?

Empathy is a powerful skill; the ability to understand and share others' points of view. To share in a person's vulnerability can only be fostered in an environment of trust – a safe space where powerful conversations can happen.

When we say, ‘powerful conversations,’ it doesn’t always have to be deep and meaningful, but it is a moment of connection…a moment where both individuals feel like their presence has been valued or contributed meaningfully to the conversation.

Open and candid conversations lead to diverse perspectives and fresh points of view. Radically embracing diversity in all its forms (thought, people, cultures etc.), results in unique outcomes that benefit all stakeholders. This helps us achieve sustainability in its true sense.

A lot of miscommunication or misunderstandings, with work colleagues, or with friends and family are often due to not listening to or respecting the other person's point of view.

This is why, as leaders, we have a responsibility to create spaces in our work environment where employees can feel comfortable having conversations, especially the difficult and awkward ones. Though we may hold different titles in an organization, or a different status in society, we are all equal, and in the end, the pawn and king go back into the same box.

A company, at the end of the day, is its people, it is not the buildings or machines. Ideas and inspiration are only nurtured in spaces where people feel they are valued, wanted, and their contributions matter - we have a responsibility to ensure that our people are seen and heard.

Perhaps it’s time we humanize each other more. Once we realize that we have more in common than what divides us, we can start having more meaningful, powerful conversations.

BLEWSTREAM is Values-Driven – People Powered – Technology Enabled

We are BLEWSTREAMERS
Balanced. Life. Equitable. Work.
Strategic Thinking. Reputational Excellence. Accelerated Mindset.

The retention of skilled employees is vital for global business

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 11:26:41 GMT

The Global business environment is evolving rapidly; the retention of skilled employees is a major risk to Executives’ ability to deliver on their strategy and will remain a high priority on the risk matrix for the foreseeable future.

Inevitably, Executives will be forced to change their mindset, and radically disrupt existing HR business models, where the skills required to perform the task will take precedence over a simple degree.

HR managers have historically focused more on degrees than skills. As Executives challenge their teams to act and think differently, organisations that do not embrace this Human Resource challenge will certainly be embraced by it!

Whilst degrees can open doors or provide a solid foundation, they are not the sole indicator of success or competence - the ability to do the job and to be coachable is.

Despite having a degree, a candidate may find it difficult to thrive in the position if they lack the necessary skills, which are not necessarily taught at universities or within a professional qualification (e.g., AP processing, P2P business processes, etc.).

Of course, for certain professions such as medicine, law, engineering and academia, a degree is absolutely required as it provides a deep understanding of complex theories and specialized knowledge.

As it relates to the accounting profession, a professional qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, etc.) is critical to advance your career as it provides the formal education required, but your skills and competencies are just as essential to perform basic accounting tasks and functions. A degree is no longer the single barometer that determines whether an individual will be hired, or advance in their work environment.

On the flip side, an individual with the appropriate set of skills for the job, even if they lack a degree, will be far more productive and efficient, resulting in them adding greater value to the organisation.

Furthermore, whereas skills pertain to a particular ability or area of competence, degrees are frequently transient to a broad field of knowledge. Employers are more in pursuit of specific skills to meet the precise requirements of their business.

In closing, degrees provide formal education, theoretical knowledge, and a recognized credential, while skills are practical abilities developed through experience and application. Both degrees and skills are valuable, but the ideal combination depends on the specific requirements of your chosen field and career goals. A well-rounded professional profile often includes a balance of both formal education and relevant skills.

We are BLEWSTREAMERS
Balanced. Life. Equitable. Work.
Strategic Thinking. Reputational Excellence. Accelerated Mindsight.

What is your company’s true staying power?

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 11:26:41 GMT

In an ever-evolving world where most struggle to fit in, we as individuals must remember that fitting in is not always the best way to a successful pathway… especially in the business world.

Whilst it may be simple to follow the crowd and attempt to replicate what those around you are doing, we believe great leaders should concentrate on their distinctive attributes and create a safe space for people to be their genuine selves. This can only be achieved if leaders embrace diversity, at all levels.

It is challenging to succeed on your own unless you are wealthy or have a prominent family name; we all need allies, mentors and coaches who will support and encourage us, and only genuine connections can make this possible. Authentic relationships are anchored on common values, shared visions, respect, trust, and often present worthwhile chances for creating mutually shared value that might not have been possible if authentic, genuine relationships were formed beforehand.

Additionally, being genuine can influence others to perceive you as more approachable, empathic, and reliable, which is advantageous for your company’s growth, your personal brand, and your career advancement. Being genuine and passionate will allow you to naturally gravitate toward opportunities and relationships with individuals who have the same shared interests. Challenges and hurdles will not stop you from achieving your goals, on the contrary, your authentic self will be a north star in all decisions you make in your business and personal life.

By discovering who you truly are, you will develop a greater sense of self-awareness, your true passions as well as your strengths, weaknesses, capabilities, and limitations. This requires all of us to remove our cognitive biases and look at things with a radically open mind. This, of course, requires in-depth analysis, self-reflection, and paying detailed attention to your inner moral compass…but it will all be well worth it. In the long run, a business or company’s true staying power is what they stand for and what they believe…so it’s time we as leaders stand for something and inspire others to do the same.

We are BLEWSTREAMERS
Balanced. Life. Equitable. Work.
Strategic Thinking. Reputational Excellence. Accelerated Mindsight.