I’m TT’s top salesman

CLINT CHAN TACK

PRIME Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday confirmed that Sandals Resort will be establishing a resort in Tobago. He gave this confirmation in the House of Representatives as he scuttled attempts by the Opposition to claim there was “something underhand” in Government’s effort to encourage Sandals to come to TT.

Reminding MPs there was a meeting last week between the Government and Sandals, about the proposed hotel, Rowley disclosed, “We agreed on a memorandum of understanding which has now been signed.” Government MPs thumped their desks as Rowley declared, “I am the country’s number one salesman.”

Explaining he used his time as opposition leader to understand all aspects of TT’s economy, Rowley said he talked with Sandals chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart back then about the possibility of Sandals establishing a hotel in Tobago. He said the conversations were based on “mutual respect.” Rowley said Opposition claims to the contrary, are baseless.

He explained Government will be providing equity for the hotel while Sandals will brand and market it. He said the 800 room hotel will create “a rising tide” in Tobago that will market the island as an attractive tourism destination. Looking at Opposition MPs, Rowley quipped, “We not giving Sandals nothing.”

He explained this is a business venture and if, “it is not a worthy business, it will not get off the ground.” Rowley said it was hypocritical of the Opposition to criticise the project when,”you know it’s Sandals you want.” He scoffed, “You have a toothache, advertise for a dentist.” While the Opposition had the opportunity to propose an alternative to Sandals, Rowley observed, “18 of them spoke...not one of them had an alternative to offer the people of Tobago.”

He defended a $3 million allocation to improve the Chaguaramas golf course. He said this would help boost sports tourism and Tobago could use two such golf courses. Rowley said a golf course, “like a woman...you have to groom her every day!”

Recalling his visit to Houston to meet with major energy companies, Rowley said that visit resulted in an investment of US$10 billion in TT’s energy sector and undid unfavourable energy agreements which the former People’s Partnership (PP) government saddled the country with. Rowley reminded MPs of Government’s efforts to bring natural gas from Venezuela’s Dragon Field to TT to address gas curtailment issues it inherited from the PP.