Nigel Baptiste, ChairmanNigel Baptiste is a First Class Honours graduate of the University of the West Indies, an associate of the Chartered Institute of Banking in England and a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking in the United States. As Executive Director of Republic Bank, a donor partner with ALTA since 2009 through its Power to Make a Difference social investment programme, Nigel’s involvement grew from a genuine interest in promoting adult literacy with ALTA to unwavering support in the years that followed. His readiness to make the time to serve on ALTA’s Board in 2014 confirms his commitment to literacy. He comes with a wealth of knowledge of the corporate sector and the donor environment.
Paula Lucie-Smith won a Trinidad Island Scholarship in Modern Studies and went on to graduate from the University of Warwick (BA, History) and the University of Leicester (Post-Graduate Certificate in Education, 1983). Paula returned to Trinidad and went into teaching. This experience opened her eyes to the huge literacy deficit among secondary school students. In 1990, International Literacy Year, Paula attended a UNESCO-sponsored course in Trinidad to train volunteer adult literacy tutors. She is also a certified teacher for dyslexics. After two years’ teaching adult literacy, Paula founded the Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA).
Paula continues to develop and manage the ALTA Programme and has authored sixty adult literacy books. In 2001, she was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) and has also received two Paul Harris Fellowships for community service from Rotary International, and the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Award for Excellence for Public and Civic Contributions.
Hamilton (Tim) Padmore has served as ALTA’s treasurer since 2008, and has been a volunteer ALTA tutor at the St George’s College class venue since 2006. With a background in Accounting, Economics, Finance and graduate qualifications in Business Management, Tim has over 20 years of practical experience as Comptroller for Heritage AMOCO/BPTT. His skills lie in effective, efficient management of accounting and financial records, as well as the development and maintenance of new systems.
Marise Warner, Legal AdviserMarise Warner was awarded a Bachelor of Laws degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, 1995 and a Legal Education Certificate from Hugh Wooding Law School in 1997, subsequent to which she was admitted to practise at Trinidad and Tobago bar and enrolled as an attorney-at-law. She later obtained a BSc. in Psychology from UWI with a minor in Social Policy. Other training includes Mediation Settlement (Duke University Private Adjudication Centre, USA); Family and Divorce Mediation (Judicial Education Institute of Trinidad and Tobago); International Negotiations: Practical Skills & Techniques (United Nations Institute for Training and Research). She assists with the provision of governance and stewardship to ALTA and is responsible for the collaborative management of ALTA and the formulation of its policy. She is also responsible for giving legal advice to the Association; drafting and negotiating contracts and has been instrumental in formulating the Level 3 training programme. Marise is also co-author of the ALTA Spelling Dictionary.
Chela Bhimull, SecretaryChela Bhimull is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political Science and Human Resource Management, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Political Philosophy, and International Relations. Chela is also a graduate of the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, holding a Master of Business Administration degree with specialization in International Marketing. She has over 21 years of experience in human resource management, specifically in the areas of HR System design and implementation, Organization Development, Performance Management, Talent Management, Competency Development, Compensation, Recruitment, Change Management, Industrial Relations, Mediation, and Policies and Procedures. Chela is no stranger to ALTA as she is a volunteer tutor and class coordinator.
Arlene Wallace-Romero is an industrial engineering post-graduate and the holder of an MBA with specialization in International trade, Logistics and Procurement. With over 25 years of experience in the field of quality and operations management at senior and middle management levels, she has worn many hats. Since 2014, she has held the role of Manager of Business Systems at the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation (PLIPDECO). Arlene’s professional experience spans the areas of project management, strategic planning and performance monitoring, risk management and business reporting and development. Additionally, Arlene has served as a volunteer tutor, class coordinator and trainer with ALTA, having herself trained in 1999. She has even served as Workplace Administrator from 2003 to 2007, establishing service links with industry and other interested parties for the implementation of workplace literacy programmes and providing management oversight to the workplace literacy programmes and other projects.
Cassandra Ramkerrysingh is a transformation specialist with over 30 years’ experience. She has led complex institutional strengthening projects for Governments, Ministries, Utilities, and Private and Public Sector organisations toward performance improvement, growth and development. Several of these targeted socio-economic and educational reform. She has worked primarily in the sectors of education and social development, governance and financial management – all relevant to ALTA. She has proven experience in facilitating dialogue with Ministers and Senior Leadership, International Development Agencies, Labour Sector, NGOs and community groups.