ANSA McAL: Caring for the Caribbean – A Responsible Response to COVID-19 ere
Crisis Management & Business Continuity
The year 2020 will be remembered globally as a period of unprecedented disruption. For the ANSA McAL Group, operating across Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, Grenada, St. Kitts, Jamaica, and the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic tested resilience, leadership, and collective responsibility.
Responding early to the evolving crisis, ANSA McAL established a Group Crisis Management Team to design and implement Emergency Response, Disaster Recovery, and Business Continuity Plans. These frameworks became operational templates for subsidiaries across the region, ensuring continuity of service while safeguarding employees and stakeholders.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols
- Hygiene and social distancing protocols
- Information on school closures
- Employee guidelines for COVID-19 prevention
- Protocols and guidelines for working from home
- Internal communications on keeping the ANSA McAL family safe
Supporting Essential Workers and Healthcare
Medical Equipment Donations (Mattresses & Appliances)
Working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Standard Distributors Ltd (SDL) donated 300 mattresses to all Regional Health Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago to support the parallel healthcare system.
TATIL and TATIL Life, alongside the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, partnered with SDL to procure and deliver appliances valued at approximately TT$100,000 to the Home of Football Wellness Centre in Couva, a national step-down COVID-19 facility.
Hand Sanitizer Production & Distribution
Carib Brewery Ltd (CBL) responded decisively by producing a world-class hand sanitizer. Nearly 100,000 bottles were filled by employees and distributed to frontline and essential service workers across Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, CBL donated 11 fully stocked chillers with Malta and Smalta to major hospitals nationwide.
Regionally, Grenada Breweries Ltd launched its Hands in Unity hand sanitizer initiative, supporting frontline workers throughout Grenada.
Community Relief and Food Security
Several ANSA McAL subsidiaries mobilised to address food insecurity during the pandemic. AMCO and Grand Bazaar Ltd distributed food hampers to families in Chaguanas, members of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW), and communities including Lopinot/Bon Air West and Bamboo.
In partnership with the Guardian Neediest Cases Fund (GNCF), a virtual food drive titled Community Kitchen—powered by Propa Eats—enabled the donation of hampers to NGOs serving vulnerable communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
Environmental Sustainability & Reforestation
Reforestation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Carib Glassworks Ltd (CGL) became the first privately owned quarry in Trinidad and Tobago to partner with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) on a one-hectare rehabilitation project at the Matura sand plant. The initiative saw the planting of 2,743 trees, with an additional 2,000 seedlings planned.
This project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
CGL also collaborated with the Caribbean Network for Integrated Rural Development (CNIRD) through the International Coastal Clean-up initiative, contributing to efforts to reduce ocean plastic pollution.
Investing in Youth, Education, and Culture
Public Education and Architecture
ABEL Building Solutions (ABS) partnered with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Lectures Committee, the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects, and the Board of Architecture of Trinidad and Tobago to host a special lecture by Sir David Adjaye OBE on Building Publics. The event attracted nearly 400 students and professionals, reinforcing the social purpose of architecture.
Youth and Talent Development
The ANSA McAL Champions Programme, launched in 2015, is a 24-month rotational initiative designed to develop future executives from among the region’s most promising graduates. To date, 23 Champions have completed the programme in partnership with the University of the West Indies.
Additionally, employees identified as high-potential leaders continue to pursue advanced education through the ANSA McAL EMBA programme at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, supporting succession planning and leadership development.
Regional Solidarity and Disaster Relief
Beyond the pandemic, ANSA McAL has consistently supported Caribbean communities impacted by climate change. Following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Group coordinated relief efforts valued at over TT$1 million, mobilising teams across subsidiaries and partnering with regional stakeholders, including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
In Guyana, ANSA McAL commemorated its 25th anniversary with the commissioning of the ANSA McAL Jubilee Arch, recognising Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary and celebrating Caribbean innovation.
Health, Well-Being, and Awareness
Employee well-being remains central to ANSA McAL’s culture. Signature initiatives include the biannual Sports and Family Mini Olympics, hosted at the UWI Sports & Physical Education Centre, engaging nearly 5,000 employees.
TATIL and TATIL Life also launched a nationwide Diabetes Awareness CSR initiative, addressing one of the region’s most pressing public health challenges.
The ANSA McAL Foundation
The ANSA McAL Foundation focuses on alleviating poverty and promoting self-reliance across the Caribbean. In 2019 alone, the Foundation disbursed TT$2,057,844 to 38 organisations.
The Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence
The flagship initiative of the Foundation, the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence, recognises outstanding Caribbean achievement in:
- Arts & Letters
- Entrepreneurship
- Public & Civic Contributions
- Science & Technology
Since its launch in 2005, the Awards programme has disbursed TT$19.5 million and honoured 43 laureates, advancing regional unity and excellence.
Corporate Governance and Ethical Leadership
ANSA McAL’s performance is underpinned by strong corporate governance and ethical business practices. In 2019, the Group reviewed and relaunched its Code of Ethics and Conduct and Whistle-blower Programme, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and investor confidence.
One Family, Growing from Strength to Strength
With over 140 years of resilience, ANSA McAL continues to navigate uncertainty with confidence and purpose. Through active stakeholder engagement, sustainable business practices, and a deep commitment to people and communities, the Group remains dedicated to creating long-term value for employees, customers, shareholders, and the wider Caribbean.