Haji Gokool-Meah is an inductee in the Business Hall of Fame, more than 80 years after his death.

His name was unveiled on October 24th by the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, along with this year’s other inductee: Trevor Lynch, founder and chairman of TL Holdings Limited, TL Investments Limited, and Hydro Tech Limited.

Haji Gokool-Meah was born in Kashmir in 1847 and came to Trinidad at the age of six with his indentured parents.

The Chamber says he overcame personal and societal barriers to become one of the island’s major industrialists and philanthropists.

From his earliest labour in the cane fields, he purchased a donkey cart to do transport and then became a prosperous village shopkeeper.

He then ventured into cinema, real estate, and cocoa cultivation.

He was also committed to charitable activities, establishing the Haji Gokool Trust.

Today, two Port of Spain landmarks still stand, testament to his influence: the Globe cinema building in Port of Spain and the Haji Gokool Memorial Masjid in St. James.

Mr Lynch meanwhile has over 30 years of industry experience and knowledge, and is considered the backbone and driving force behind his group of companies.

He has served on the Economic Development Advisory Board and started the Mayaro Legacy Awards 2022 at bpTT Mayaro Resource Centre.

The Chamber says his unconventional approach to business has not only set his entrepreneurial pursuits on the right track but also defied the odds of an evolving business climate.

The Chamber’s Champions of Business “Titans and Trailblazers” will recognise individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses in seven award categories: Business Hall of Fame and Green Agenda, Internationally Known…T&T Owned Company of the Year, Breakthrough Exporter of the Year, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and SME.

The Champions of Business Gala Awards Finale takes place on November 2nd 2023.