Nominations & Candidates

Ayinde Burgess is an experienced Information Systems Manager with a strong background in technology leadership, governance and organisational transformation.

He has served on the Board of Directors of TEXTEL Credit Union since 2010, contributing to the organisation’s strategic direction and sustainable growth through a range of leadership and oversight roles. During his tenure, Mr Burgess has served as Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Chair of the Technology Committee, where he championed the effective use of technology to improve operations, enhance member services and strengthen organisational resilience.

He has also served on the Supervisory Committee and the Investment Committee, providing oversight in compliance, financial stewardship and investment management.

With extensive experience in strategic planning, digital innovation and fiduciary governance, Mr Burgess is committed to transparency, integrity and member-focused service. He brings a balanced perspective of leadership, innovation and oversight to support the continued success and growth of the credit union.

Mr Kerwin Ramrattan has been an active member of TEXTEL Credit Union for over 39 years. He joined TSTT (previously TEXTEL) in 1983, his last position being Ag. Manager of Wireless Engineering, and brings over 34 years of telecommunications industry experience working closely with executives to develop business plans and manage projects and capital budgets. In addition to short-term engineering consultancy services, he voluntarily teaches mathematics in rural areas of south Trinidad.

Core competencies: Project Management; Strategic Planning & Growth; Budgeting and Scheduling; Planning and Development; strong communication skills using MS Word, Excel, MS Project, Visio and PowerPoint.

Qualifications: Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Management, and an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business. He has also completed courses in Corporate Governance, Financial Management, Corporate Finance and Leadership.

Credit union service: Supervisory Committee for four (4) years, including two (2) years as Secretary and two (2) years as Chairperson. He has served for the past five (5) years as a director on the TEXTEL Credit Union Board, holding the positions of Assistant Secretary and Secretary, and was a member of its Technology Committee, where he helped oversee the launch of its online platform and services. He also serves on the Policy Committee. He attended the TTCUDIF Governance and Leadership Conference in May 2019, as well as the Regional Leadership Conferences hosted by the CCULTT in October 2021 and 2022.

Mr Ramrattan is a committed team player with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the credit union movement, and is confident that his experience, knowledge and dedication would allow him to contribute meaningfully to the credit union and its members.

Nine-plus years as an Executive Administrative Professional within the public sector. Serves as the Secretary of the Supervisory Committee, 2025–2026.

Qualifications

• BSc Leadership and Management (UWI)
• Certificate — Fundamentals of Project Management, CTS College of Business and Computer Science
• Overcoming the Risk of Delinquency

Skills & competencies: Critical thinking; business writing and documentation; budget management; supervisory management; project management tools.

Currently a member of the Credit Committee. Served previously on the Board of Directors for nine years, and on the Credit Committee for eighteen years.

I am a retiree of TSTT where my last position was as an Accounts Supervisor. I worked at TSTT for forty-one years.

Former Executive member of the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) as Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer; former Treasurer of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (F.I.T.U.N.); former Treasurer of the Friends of Cuba.

Served on the National Insurance Board (Labour) for ten years, on the Board of Trinidad & Tobago Mortgage Finance Company for ten years, and on the Integration Committee (TTMF to TTMB merger).

I have been a member of TEXTEL Credit Union for fifty years.

Currently a member of the Credit Committee. Served previously on the Board of Directors for nine years, and on the Credit Committee for eighteen years.

I am a retiree of TSTT where my last position was as an Accounts Supervisor. I worked at TSTT for forty-one years.

Former Executive member of the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) as Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer; former Treasurer of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (F.I.T.U.N.); former Treasurer of the Friends of Cuba.

Served on the National Insurance Board (Labour) for ten years, on the Board of Trinidad & Tobago Mortgage Finance Company for ten years, and on the Integration Committee (TTMF to TTMB merger).

I have been a member of TEXTEL Credit Union for fifty years.

I wish to serve on the Board of TEXTEL Credit Union to contribute my professional accounting expertise in financial oversight, governance and strategic decision-making. I am committed to promoting accountability, transparency and sound financial management while working collaboratively with fellow members to support the organisation’s objectives and ensure its long-term sustainability and success.

Skills / Experience
I am a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience in Credit Union Operations. I possess over twelve (12) years in the credit union sector in various fields of accounting, management, governance and compliance. My expertise includes financial reporting, budgeting, audit coordination, risk management, internal controls and the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures. I have worked closely with senior management and stakeholders to support strategic planning, ensure accountability, and promote sound stewardship of members’ resources. I bring strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills, together with a commitment to integrity, transparency, and ethical governance, enabling me to make a meaningful contribution to the Board’s oversight and strategic objectives.

Educational background

• ACCA — Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
• CA — Chartered Accountant
• Associate of Arts Degree — Human Resource Management

Membership: ACCA; ICATT; SMGC Golf Club

I would like to contribute my professional experience while assisting members to improve their financial well-being. I am interested in supporting TEXTEL Credit Union’s strategic growth, technology and initiatives and commitment to serving the community.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, University of the West Indies (UWI)
• Masters Project Management, UWI
• TSTT Employee of the Year 2005

My hobbies are football, cricket, cycling and running.

IT skills & experience
Ms Candice Bradshaw-Joseph has over 17 years of experience in the banking industry, primarily in Information Technology, where she has supported and managed critical banking systems, infrastructure, user services, and technology operations. Her experience includes system administration, IT support, cybersecurity awareness, incident management, business continuity, vendor coordination, and the implementation of technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with various business units to ensure that technology supports organisational objectives while maintaining strong controls, security, and regulatory compliance.

Reason for wanting to serve on the Credit Committee
She believes her extensive banking experience and technology background can provide valuable insight into risk management, governance, and decision-making processes. Her experience in managing systems and analyzing operational risks has strengthened her ability to assess information critically, maintain confidentiality, and make objective judgments. Serving on the Committee would allow her to contribute to the sound management of credit decisions, support the organisation’s strategic goals, and help ensure that members’ interests are protected through prudent oversight and effective governance.

Chernelle Simmons Walkes is a legally trained professional with eleven years of experience in customer service and administrative operations. She recently completed the Legal Practice Course and Masters of Law (LPC LLM) and is currently serving on Board and supervisory roles within community-based organisations. She brings a developing interest in corporate governance, compliance and operational oversight, supported by practical experience in customer operations and organisational support.

Ms Simmons Walkes was called to the bar on the 26th June, 2026. She is an in-service legal trainee at Guerra’s Law Firm. She worked at TTPost for more than ten years since 2013 in various positions: Telemarketing Officer (Ag.), Courier Administrative Officer and Customer Service Representative. She has been the Chair of the Supervisory Committee of TEXTEL Credit Union.

Certificates

• National Engineering Technician Diploma (NETD) — Chemical Engineering
• Supervisory Management
• Public Relations
• Anti-Money Laundering & Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)

Leadership & activities: Member of TTPost Sports Committee; illustrated two children’s books; scholarship recipient of Ballet Hispanico; volunteer, Power of Worship.

Daniella Ishmael is employed as a Statistician at the Central Statistical Office with over twelve years of experience in the field of Statistics, Economics and Research in the public sector. She possesses extensive experience in data analysis and economic research, which have strengthened her analytical and problem-solving abilities while also fostering a strong appreciation for accountability, transparency, governance and sound decision-making.

Qualifications

• MSc Economics (Distinction), UWI
• BSc Economics with Minor in Finance (First Class), UWI

She served as Secretary on the Supervisory Committee in 2023. If elected, she is committed to contributing to the growth, integrity and success of TEXTEL Credit Union. Ms Ishmael will use her professional and educational experience combined with her prior committee knowledge to support effective oversight, thereby ensuring that the best interests of the credit union and its membership are held at the forefront.

Executive profile
A senior executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning credit unions, financial services, capital markets regulation, governance, public policy, digital transformation, risk management, statistics, and strategic planning, with a proven track record of driving growth, profitability, operational excellence, and institutional transformation while maintaining strong governance and regulatory compliance.

Core leadership competencies: Corporate Strategy • Credit Union Management • Financial Management • Investment Portfolio Management • Risk Management • Market Development • Industrial Relations • Strategic Marketing • Stakeholder Engagement

Executive experience

• General Manager, Aero Services Credit Union (2021–2022) — executive leadership of operations, governance, strategy, member services and business performance. Authored and executed a strategy for moving the credit union to a community-based from an employee credit union in a turbulent industry. Reduced bad debt by 3 percentage points by targeting legacy debtors. Settled negotiations with BIGWU.
• Consultant — Operations, Credit Union Central Finance Facility (2018, 2020)
• General Manager, Neal & Massy (North) Credit Union (2015–2018)
• Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Credit Union (2014–2015)
• Director — Disclosure, Registration & Corporate Finance, TTSEC (2003–2007)

Board and governance experience

• Director, Vice-President, Treasurer and Supervisory Committee Chair — TEXTEL Credit Union (2007–2021)
• Director and Chair, Finance & Audit Committee — Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (2007–2009)
• Director — Credit Union Central Finance Facility (2009–2010)
• Member, Strategic Advisory Committee — Credit Union Central Finance Facility (2015–2020)
• Member — National Payments System Council, Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (2026–present)

Education: Master of Human Resource Management (Distinction), Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business; Master of International Strategic Marketing (Distinction), Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business; MBA (International Finance), Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business; BSc Economics, University of the West Indies.

Executive certifications: Professional Certificate in Labour Laws; Professional Certificate Industrial Relations; Professional Certificate Digital Strategy; Professional Certificate Business Intelligence, Analytics and Decision-making; Professional Certificate in Risk Management; Prosci ADKAR Certified Change Practitioner; FinTech and E-Payments; Institute of Banking and Finance — Credit Assessment and Proposal Writing; Institute of Banking and Finance — Mortgage Financing A–Z Training; Credit Union Development Educator (CaribDE).

Retired Commercial Assurance Analyst with over 31 years of experience in the telecommunication industry. Former Part-Time Lecturer, Human Resource Management. A committed member serving the Credit Union movement with unwavering support through respect and integrity since 1984, diligently contributing to the strategic development to drive the movement.

He has participated in many training sessions in the Credit Union movement — Past Delegate to the Co-Operative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago (CCULTT) Leadership Conference, The Philosophy of Credit Union, Role of Board of Directors, Credit Committee, Nomination Committee, Corporate Governance, Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), Proliferation Financing (PFT), Power of Credit Intelligence (Emerging Credit Threats), Loan and Delinquency, Customer Data Management System (CDMS), Strategic Planning, and Automated Credit Decision Making Platform, to name a few.

Current Chairman of the Credit Committee of TEXTEL Credit Union (TCU). Served as Assistant Treasurer and Director of the Board of TCU, as well as Chairman and ordinary member of committees such as Credit, Education, Building, Technology and Marketing.

He has served diligently on other Boards and Committees within the movement. Currently Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of CCULTT; Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the North West Regional Chapter (NWRC); ex-officio member on the Public Entertainment and Public Relations (PE-PRC) Committee (NWRC). Served as Assistant Secretary on the Board of Directors (NWRC), and as past Chairman, Secretary and ordinary member of the Education Committee (NWRC).

Education / qualifications: Master of Business Administration (MBA) — General Management, Henley Business School / University of Reading, United Kingdom; BA (Hons) Management, Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom; Diploma — Occupational Safety and Health, Cipriani College of Labour & Co-Operative Studies (CCLCS); Certificate — Human Resource Management (CCLCS).

Willing and always ready to serve and teach anyone interested in co-operative principles. Loves reading and likes all sports, especially football, cricket and athletics.

I am honoured to offer myself for election to the Board of Directors of TEXTEL Credit Union. My desire to serve is rooted in a strong commitment to the cooperative principles of accountability, integrity, transparency, and service to our members.

I bring a unique combination of financial expertise, governance experience, and community leadership. Having served for more than ten years on the Credit Committee as Chairman, Secretary, and Committee Member, I have gained an in-depth understanding of the Credit Union’s lending operations, risk management, and the importance of sound decision-making. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for good governance and responsible stewardship of our members’ resources.

Professionally, I dedicated over twenty years to the Finance Department of Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), where I developed extensive knowledge in financial management, budgeting, analysis, internal controls, and accountability. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to achieving organizational objectives.

Beyond my professional career, I remain actively involved in community service and volunteer leadership. I currently serve as:

• Treasurer — Arima Wheelers Cycling Club
• Secretary — Malabar Women’s Group
• Member — Upper Malabar Community Centre

These roles have strengthened my leadership, communication, and collaborative decision-making skills while reinforcing my belief in service above self.

My commitment to lifelong learning has resulted in educational achievements at every level, culminating in a Master’s Degree in Theology. My studies have enhanced my leadership abilities and deepened my commitment to ethical leadership, integrity, compassion, and sound decision-making.

As a member of the Board of Directors, I will work diligently to support the strategic direction of TEXTEL Credit Union, promote strong corporate governance, safeguard the financial well-being of our institution, and ensure that the needs and interests of our members remain at the centre of every decision. I respectfully ask for your confidence, your support, and your vote as we continue working together to build an even stronger TEXTEL Credit Union for current and future generations.

I am honoured to offer myself for election to the Credit Committee of TEXTEL Credit Union. My commitment to the Credit Union movement is founded on integrity, accountability, sound financial stewardship, and a genuine desire to serve our members.

For more than ten years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Credit Committee in the capacities of Chairman, Secretary, and Committee Member. These leadership roles have provided me with extensive experience in evaluating loan applications, ensuring compliance with lending policies, maintaining strict confidentiality, and making fair and objective decisions that safeguard both our members and the Credit Union.

My professional career includes over twenty years of service in the Finance Department of Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT). During this time, I developed strong expertise in financial management, budgeting, financial analysis, internal controls, and accountability. These experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to contribute effectively to the continued strength and stability of our Credit Union.

Community service has always been an important part of my life. I currently serve as:

• Treasurer — Arima Wheelers Cycling Club
• Secretary — Malabar Women’s Group
• Member — Upper Malabar Community Centre

These roles reflect my commitment to responsible leadership, teamwork, transparency, and community development.

I am also committed to lifelong learning. My educational achievements span all levels of study and culminate in a Master’s Degree in Theology. This academic journey has strengthened my leadership skills while reinforcing the values of integrity, ethical decision-making, compassion, and service.

If elected, I will continue to serve with professionalism, fairness, and dedication. I remain committed to upholding the principles of the Credit Union movement and making sound decisions that protect the interests of our members while supporting the continued growth and success of TEXTEL Credit Union.

Mrs Jennifer Long retired from TSTT as an Accounts Supervisor. She holds a certificate in Finance.

Mrs Long has been a Director on the Board of TEXTEL Credit Union for the past several years. She has served as Chair of the Education Committee for several years, and also served as Secretary of the Credit Committee for several years. She is the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of B&M Homemade Ice Cream.

Workshops attended

• Anti-Money Laundering & Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) and Proliferation Financing Terrorism (PFT)
• Power of Credit Intelligence
• Loan and Delinquency
• Board and Statutory Committee System (CDMS)
• Credit Management Workshop

Mrs Long, with over twenty-five years of experience, is willing to serve the members of TEXTEL Credit Union.

Mr Joel Alexander has been employed at the National Insurance Board (NIB) for approximately seventeen years. He has served in several roles: Customer Service Representative, Audit Administrative Assistant, Risk Administrative Assistant and Investigations and Control Officer. These diverse experiences have strengthened his understanding of organisational operations and have shaped him into a well-rounded professional with expertise in customer service, risk management, auditing and investigations.

Mr Alexander is the owner and Managing Director of Innovative Maintenance and General Services (IMAGS), an event maintenance company which provides janitorial services for small, medium and large-scale events throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

Skills and competencies: Leadership and team management; strategic planning and problem solving; investigative and analytical skills; project co-ordination and stakeholder management; strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ms Joyce Loobie has been a member for over twenty years.

She has served on the following committees:

• Marketing Committee (2024–2025)
• Alternate on the Credit Committee (2022–2023)
• Secretary of the Education Committee
• Supervisory Chairman (2023–2024)
• Alternate on the Supervisory Committee (2019–2020)
• Secretary of the Credit Committee (2018–2019)

Qualifications: BSc Computing & Information Systems; MSc ICT.

Ms Kypruna Vincent has an MBA in Business Administration, specialising in Finance.

She has served TEXTEL Credit Union in various positions:

• Supervisory Committee — Chairman, Secretary and Member
• Credit Committee — Alternate
• Board of Directors — Alternate
• Education Committee — Member

Ms Vincent has also represented TEXTEL Credit Union on the Supervisory Committee of the North West Regional Chapter of the Co-operative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago as the Secretary (2025–2026).

Ms Kypruna Vincent has been a member for over fifteen years. She holds an MBA in Business Administration, specialising in Finance.

She has served on the following committees at TEXTEL Credit Union:

• Supervisory Committee (Chairman, Secretary and Member)
• Credit Committee (Alternate)
• Board of Directors (Alternate)
• Education Committee (Member)

She has also represented TEXTEL Credit Union by serving as the Secretary on the Supervisory Committee of the North West Regional Chapter of the Co-operative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago.

Ms Louise Reid operated at management level at two companies that required critical thinking — the ability not only to come up with workable solutions on the spot, but to pitch them in a manner that reaches the intended audience level.

She currently works in the investment area, which requires Ms Reid to interact with external audit firms.

The relevant positions have given Ms Reid a well-rounded knowledge of what stakeholders require at the Board level, and she believes that she would be an asset to the Board.

Skills and experience

• Several years of service on the Credit Committee
• Sound knowledge of regulatory requirements governing credit unions and loan approvals
• Strong understanding of the credit union’s policies, procedures and underwriting guidelines
• Proven underwriting skills
• Broad experience in credit union governance
• Training in various aspects of Credit Administration and Management, and Delinquency Control

Credit union activities
Served on the Supervisory Committee, Board of Directors, Credit Committee, Education Committee and Human Resource Committee. Ms Berahzer is currently on the Board of Directors and an outgoing member of the Credit Committee.

Commitment
If elected, Ms Berahzer pledges to perform all responsibilities and assigned duties to the best of her knowledge and ability; to promote the interests of the valued members and the credit union; and to uphold the integrity and professionalism required of the position.

Ms Nayo Achan Sylvester is a youth member of TEXTEL Credit Union. She has eight CSEC passes.

Qualifications

• Certificate in Criminology — UWI Global Campus (2024–2025)
• Certificate, Medical Multi-skill Technician — School of Practical Accounting (2025–2026)
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of the Southern Caribbean

Skills: Facilitator for a programme for youths in the East Port of Spain District.

Ms Shirvani Ramkissoon is an Attorney at Law. Since April 2016 she has practised as a Barrister / Attorney at Law with Regius Chambers, Regius Holdings Limited, in areas including Trinidad and Tobago immigration, citizenship, refugee and human rights law, civil, criminal and corporate litigation, residential and commercial conveyancing, family law, wills and probate, and intellectual property. Since September 2025 she has served as a Director of the National Academy for the Performing Arts.

Her earlier experience includes Legal Secretary at Devesh Maharaj and Associates (2014) and service at the Chaguanas Magistrates’ Court (2011–2012).

Qualifications

• Legal Practice Course (Postgraduate Diploma, Level 7), Staffordshire University — Distinction; awarded the Ansons Solicitors Award for Best Overall Performance in Corporate and Commercial Client
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) (Hons), University of London External System, 2013
• Criminal Mooting Champion 2011, Institute of Law and Academic Studies
• Certified Diploma in Computer Literacy (registered with University of Cambridge)

Community service: Youth Coordinator, Lotus Sai Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (2012–2014), empowering young people through service activities and events planning; and voluntary weekend classes for Secondary Entrance Assessment students (2013–2014).

Mr Vivian Reyes has been an officer of TEXTEL Credit Union for the past thirteen years. He has served in various capacities, such as the Supervisory Committee, Credit Committee and Board of Directors. He has attended various training and development workshops which expanded his institutional knowledge and awareness.

Training workshops

• Overcoming the Risk of Delinquency
• Loan Granting Strategies
• Small Business Development
• Finance for Non-Financial Officers
• Anti-Money Laundering / Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)
• Managing Credit Risk

Certificates

• Certificate in Credit Union Management
• Certificate, Introduction to Industrial Relations