‘Instil proper Catholic values’ —Archbishop to administrators
February 24, 2021
A year since Pope Francis prayed for the first victims of Coronavirus
February 24, 2021

New CEBM chairman willing to listen, learn and lead

New Chairman of the Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM) Derek Hudson is easing into his new role and familarising himself with the organisation.

Responding to a few questions from the Catholic News, Hudson said he intends to bring his leadership skills to the CEBM. However, right now, he is in “listening and learning mode” and will get input from Archbishop Jason Gordon, Board members and past Chairman Dr Roland Baptiste.

He said Catholic education “is key to the spiritual and academic development of all the students under our care. It is key that we continue the collaborative relationship with the Ministry of Education to ensure seamless progress.”

Commenting on taking up the chairmanship, Hudson said he was asked by His Grace and could not say ‘no’; he is simply “following instructions.”

Hudson’s education foundation came from Catholic institutions. On how his Catholic education shaped his outlook, he replied, “my own education at primary and secondary Catholic schools, Mt Lambert RC and St Mary’s College, instilled in me that hard work never fails; and that the Lord will provide whenever He is asked.”

Hudson was installed as Chairman at the CEBM’s Annual General Meeting on February 10. He takes over from Dr Baptiste who held the post from 2012.

Short bio

Derek Hudson is a geologist by profession. He has worked in the oil and gas industry for over 30 years at Petrotrin, BG Group and Royal Dutch Shell with leadership assignments in the UK, East Africa and Trinidad and Tobago.

Since his retirement as vice president and country chairman, Shell Trinidad and Tobago in June 2019, he has continued to serve the company in a strategic advisory capacity.

Hudson joined the Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Board of Directors in June 2016. He has chaired various sub-committees and in December 2020 was appointed to the role of Chairman on the Bank’s Board of Directors.

Hudson has also served on the Board of Atlantic LNG and on the Boards of NGO’s and other voluntary organisations in Trinidad and Tobago, including the Catholic Religious Education Development Institute (CREDI). He performed the role of non-executive chairman of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago from 2005 – 2010.

Hudson has been married to Gillian for the last 30 years and enjoys golf and other forms of outdoor exercise for relaxation.