Kerwyn Valley
The diaspora is ready, so are we.
Across the globe, millions of Caribbean nationals are building successful lives in Toronto, London, Miami, New York and beyond.
This vibrant, capable diaspora contributes over US$10 billion annually in remittances to our region.
But here's the question: How much of that capital builds long-term Caribbean value?
The answer is – very little!
Most of this wealth sustains households or flows into fragmented projects – not structured, scalable investments that grow enterprises, transform industries or uplift communities.
That’s the opportunity before us. And that’s why now is the moment to build a Caribbean-first investment ecosystem – a set of interlinked, credible and purpose-driven investment platforms designed to channel diaspora capital into our traders, creatives and institutions.
This is not just a financial idea – it’s a movement that aligns with TT Coalition of Services Industries’ mission to make service exports a major engine of Caribbean development.
[caption id="attachment_1153862" align="alignnone" width="683"] Kerwyn Valley, group managing director of the Aspire Group of Companies. -[/caption]
"Diaspora capital is Caribbean capital. It’s time we put it to work – on our terms."
Three bold investment strategies, one clear mission
Here are three ideas for investment innovations that serve as pillars of the Caribbean-first vision.
Each one is directly relevant to TTCSI members and partners across the regional services value chain.
1. Fuelling regional importers with diaspora hard currency
In TT and throughout the region, small and medium-sized importers are constantly at the mercy of foreign exchange (forex) shortages and cash flow delays.
This is especially painful for trade-related service firms – customs brokers, logistics companies and wholesalers –who depend on timely movement of goods.
This investment vehicle concept intends to channel diaspora hard currency (USD, CAD, GBP) into structured trade finance for vetted importers.
Think of it as a reliable international trade facilitation bridge that enables smoother, cheaper imports and more consistent business continuity.
Diaspora capital investment becomes Caribbean working capital. Imports keep moving, margins improve and economies grow.
By helping Caribbean importers secure timely access to foreign currency, such an investment vehicle also strengthens the services ecosystem around them – from distribution and warehousing to e-commerce fulfilment and shipping. For TTCSI stakeholders, this is an opportunity to serve better, grow faster and scale regionally.
2. Fuelling regional exporters with diaspora hard currency
TTCSI has championed the creative industries as a vital part of services exports. But regional creatives continue to face one persistent barrier: access to capital.
[caption id="attachment_1153864" align="alignnone" width="1024"] -[/caption]
Enter a purpose-built investment initiative targeting funding for filmmakers, designers, animators, musicians
