The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association (TTMA) is saddened by the loss of sitting Director and former President of the TTMA, Paul Quesnel, who passed on, on Monday of a heart attack, while engaging in business in Jamaica.
The TTMA said he worked hard all his life to improve the business environment in T&T.In a release yesterday, the Association extended its deepest condolences to the family and friends on Quesnel's passing. He died at age 64.
"Mr. Quesnel untimely departure would be profoundly felt at the TTMA, the wider business community of T&T, and the entire CARICOM region, where everyone fondly referred to him as 'PQ'. Paul always gave of himself to the business fraternity and never hesitated to go beyond the 'call of duty' to assist any one in need. He was very compassionate, possessed a big heart and was like a father to all of us at the TTMA."
The release also said Quesnel not only served as a Director and Past President of the TTMA, where he presently sat on a number of committees, he was also Group Corporate Relations Manager at the Bermudez Group Limited, a Director at the Kiss Baking Company and Director at Specialist Chemicals Limited.
The TTMA said Quesnel worked "exceptionally hard" to enhance the business environment in T&T and the wider region.
"Specifically, his desire was to create an enabling environment for the business community in T&T. It is therefore no surprise that his passion was to resolve trade facilitation issues as they relate to Port, Customs, Bureau of Standards, Chemistry Food and Drug as well an enhancing the trading relationship among the CARICOM region. One of his unfulfilled goals would have been to realise a united CARICOM region where there can be a harmonisation of trade and economic policies. He had a deep desire for local content and procurement legislation and the TTMA is extremely grateful for his invaluable contribution in this regard."
In a release to the media yesterday, the Ministry of Trade called Quesnel an "avid friend and partner" of the Ministry.
"He served as a liaison between the private and public sector, for as long as we can remember. Known as a frank and forthright individual, Paul was an active participant from the business community that helped shape trade policy in T&T."
The Ministry of Trade also called him a "champion of business."
"He was passionate about trade and actively pursued the collaborative agenda of trade within the Caribbean, particularly between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. He often fondly recalled his 'December trips' to Jamaica, encouraging us to 'try it sometime,' regaling for us the fun jaunts that can be had, while doing business.' "
According to the Ministry of Trade, he served the Ministry of Trade and Industry on various Committees, including the Standing Committee on Trade Facilitation in Food and Drugs, and the Standing Committee on Trade and Related Matters; Paul was a Past President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA); and served on the Management Team of Kiss Baking Company and Bermudez Group of Companies.