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alexk
Guest
Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Finance and the Economy Secretary Joel Jack is holding out the Sandals Beach Hotel as a great hope for Tobago, telling Tobagonians they should recognise the project as an “important game changer” that will not only contribute to the national diversification thrust but will simultaneously provide the base for modernising the tourism sector in Tobago.
Presenting the island’s $4.58 billion Budget yesterday, Jack spent time at the start of his presentation and almost to the end to sell the project to the people of Tobago, telling them it is a “necessary catalyst” to strengthen linkages among the “tourism, agriculture, education” and other sectors.
He said “high-quality food” is an “essential ingredient” for the hotel industry and in this regard “the Sandals project will present us with a great opportunity to upgrade farms and fishing establishments to meet the expanded demand for food”.
Indeed, he said the project had already started to generate strong interest among local and international entrepreneurs for some high-tech niches in agriculture.
Almost as if to pick up on where he left off, minutes before he ended his budget Jack returned to Sandals, telling Tobagonians that the project will assist in addressing the problem of the quality room stock on the island.
Currently, he said Tobago has a room stock of approximately 2500 rooms.
According to Jack, the Sandals project also has the potential to change the socio-economic landscape of Tobago, as its presence will “promote Tobago as a premier destination”.
He said it will also provide the opportunity of “increased airlift to Tobago from the North American market,” much like what is now being experienced in other Caribbean islands where the hotel chain has set up.
For those who had any concerns, Jack said “there is much to be gained from this Sandals and Beaches initiative” not only as a contributor to the national diversification efforts and to promote the island, but for the people of Tobago as well.
“We must adequately prepare to optimise the benefits from this project. The agriculture sector must be able to ramp up production to accommodate the anticipated demand, citizens must be able to meet standards of excellence and customer service that will undoubtedly be demanded by these hotels,” Jack said.
Conceding there are concerns about the location for the construction of the resort on No Man’s Land, Jack said, “The proposed location is environmentally sensitive. We will work with the Government to provide adequate care and attention to protect our pristine natural environment.”
He assured Tobagonians that the THA is committed to ensuring there will be no harmful fallout on the environment and that Tobago will get “optimal benefit” from the discussions.
Sandals, for its part, has said recently that the hotel in Tobago will be a windfall for all, particularly for smaller hoteliers, as it sought to dispel claims about its operations. The hotel chain said Tobago will be among the biggest beneficiaries of increased economic activities, including global marketing and an exponential increase in airlift.
It said, “Not everyone who arrives on the flights we attract will stay at Sandals, indeed many will seek other options, creating a significant increase in business for the smaller hotels.”
Sandals said its mandate was to always buy local where possible and engage local farmers, taxi drivers, entertainers, tour operators and small business persons, including those who made craft and clothing.