Port of Spain, Trinidad: On Wednesday, the 2025 GAMA Global Awards at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad brought together the region’s leading financial minds – and Sagicor Life reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening teams, developing leaders, and navigating a rapidly changing financial landscape with purpose and clarity.

Held under the theme “From Island Vision to Global Impact,” the event highlighted both the progress and the growing pains of the Caribbean’s financial services sector. From digital disruption to talent retention, the conversations reflected a new urgency: adapt, invest in people, and lead with integrity.

President of GAMA Caribbean, Amery Rauseo said “Today marks the beginning of a transformative chapter guided by our GAMA Caribbean 2025 theme: One Vision, One Voice. These are not just words -they are a call to unity, clarity, and action.”

“Across all territories, cultures, and markets, we have the power to harmonize our efforts, align our ambitions, and speak with one voice towards a single, unified vision of Caribbean excellence in leadership and agency development,” he added.

A defining moment came during the panel discussion, “Building Sustainable Teams in the Caribbean Reality,” where Robert Trestrail, President and CEO of Sagicor Life, joined industry peers to explore how Caribbean firms can remain competitive in an evolving marketplace. Trestrail said Sagicor’s soon-to-be 185-year legacy is built on one thing – people.

“This is a people business  and while we must embrace technology to make our experiences easier and more efficient,  at the end of the day our customers  want to speak to people,” Trestrail said.

He acknowledged that employee turnover, succession planning, and engagement remain pressing concerns. But the answer, he said, lies in mentorship, accountability, and creating opportunities that stretch beyond local boundaries. Sagicor is working to connect its network of professionals across its territories, ensuring knowledge and leadership flow seamlessly across markets.

Caption: 

GAMA GLOBAL (T&T): CEO and President of GAMA GLOBAL Bonnie Godsman is flanked by President of GAMA Caribbean Amery Rauseo (left) and President and CEO, Sagicor Life Inc Robert Trestrail (right) at the 2025 GAMA Day Awards held on Wednesday.

Trestrail also spoke candidly about the headwinds facing financial institutions – from business levies and regulatory demands to the rise of artificial intelligence. He urged leaders to balance operational efficiency with empathy.

“Being a professional means representing yourself with transparency and respect,” he noted. “It’s not what you say, but how you say it – and that makes all the difference in leadership.”

Panelists agreed that the path forward requires deeper investment in leadership development, innovation, and resilience. The focus, they said, must be on creating teams that are agile, empowered, and grounded in shared values.

Reflecting on Sagicor’s broader mission, Trestrail emphasized that the company’s success – and the region’s – will depend on how it continues to provide its people with opportunities.  He said by embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and giving employees the tools and trust to lead, Sagicor aims to turn Caribbean vision into measurable global impact. Our strength lies in our people. When we invest in them. We invest in the future of the Caribbean, he added.

Through its enduring partnership with GAMA Global, Sagicor continues to champion leadership excellence, support professional growth, and drive sustainable success across the region.

Caption: 

ROBERT TRESTRAIL: Robert Trestrail, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sagicor Life Inc speaks during a panel discussion titled “Building Sustainable Teams in the Caribbean Reality’ at the 2025 GAMA Day Awards held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad on Wednesday.