Giselle Laronde-West on Corporate Social Responsibility at Angostura Limited
The Philosophy of “Reciprocity” in Business
At Angostura Limited, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than a corporate function—it is a philosophy rooted in balance and sustainability.
According to Giselle Laronde-West Angostura, Senior Manager of Public Affairs & Communications, the guiding principle is simple yet powerful:
“If we take from the earth, we must give back to the earth…it is a natural exchange.”
This concept of reciprocity underpins Angostura’s sustainability approach, reinforcing the idea that businesses must operate in harmony with the environment and society.
Prioritizing Employee Well-being
A defining feature of Corporate Social Responsibility in Trinidad is Angostura’s strong focus on internal CSR programmes.
The company has established a cross-functional CSR committee dedicated to developing responsible, informed, and engaged employees. Key initiatives include:
- Workplace and home safety education
- Environmental responsibility and waste management
- Energy conservation practices
- Health and wellness programmes
Laronde-West emphasizes that employee well-being is foundational to building resilient communities, making internal CSR a strategic priority rather than an afterthought.
Environmental Education and Recycling Initiatives
Under its Angostura sustainability agenda, the company actively promotes environmental stewardship through education and action.
Employees have embraced recycling initiatives, extending these practices beyond the workplace into their homes and communities.
Annual activities—especially around World Environment Day—bring together:
- Employees and their families
- Students from surrounding communities
- Local leaders and stakeholders
These workshops focus on:
- Recycling and waste reduction
- Replanting and biodiversity awareness
- Energy conservation practices
This approach ensures that CSR efforts create a multiplier effect, spreading awareness across generations and communities.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Women
Beyond Business: A Former Miss World’s Personal Mission
As a former Miss World, Giselle Laronde-West brings a unique and influential voice to women in corporate leadership in the Caribbean.
Her personal commitment to mentorship focuses on empowering young women through:
- Guidance on etiquette and professional presence
- Confidence-building and communication skills
- Personal development and leadership coaching
She describes this as creating a “chain reaction” of positive impact, where young women pass on knowledge and values to others in their communities.
“It’s all about how we communicate… the way we project ourselves speaks volumes.”
The Role of CSR Practitioners in Driving Sustainability
Laronde-West believes CSR professionals have a responsibility that extends far beyond corporate boundaries:
“We as practitioners, have the greatest opportunity for social impact beyond the workplace… That to me is not about work – it’s about sustainability.”
Her perspective highlights the evolving role of CSR as a driver of long-term societal transformation, not just corporate philanthropy.
This aligns with global best practices where CSR leaders act as connectors between business, community, and sustainable development goals.
About Angostura Limited
Angostura Limited is one of the Caribbean’s leading producers of rum and the global market leader for bitters.
- The iconic Angostura® aromatic bitters, first introduced in 1824, remains unchanged in formulation
- The company operates in over 160 international markets
- Its premium rums have earned multiple global awards, including recognition from the The Rum Masters
- It is publicly listed on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange
👉 Learn more: https://www.angostura.com
Angostura continues to integrate sustainability into its operations, reinforcing its position as a leader in Caribbean corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship