Tobago Youth Council: Sandals to provide good ‘competition’

The Tobago Youth Council (TYC) believes the proposed Sandals resort will help to develop the island’s economy.

However, the council said the process to construct the multi-million dollar resort, which has come under serious scrutiny in some quarters, must be transparent and in the best interest of Tobagonians.

The council’s president, Latoyaa Roberts-Thomas told Newsday Tobago the people of the island, including the youths, need to prepare for development.

“With this process of development, competition is a must and Sandals will raise the competitiveness on the island,” she said.

The council’s endorsement of the mega project came days after chartered accountant Afra Raymond claimed victory in the San Fernando High Court in seeking judicial review of the government’s decision to withhold details of the Sandals deal.

The matter is scheduled to be heard on November 29.

Raymond’s victory came seven months after he sought disclosure of the arrangement between the Government and Sandals Resorts International, under the Freedom of Information Act.

The memorandum of understanding between the government and Sandals was signed on October 10, 2017.

Roberts-Thomas said Tobago businessmen must prepare for Sandals by retraining, retooling and investing in their products and services to ensure their marketability.

“They have to look for all the opportunities that can come with the new investments to the island.”

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has spoken repeatedly about the benefits of the project, which is expected to boost significantly Tobago’s flagging tourist sector by enhancing the island’s room stock and providing job opportunities for Tobagonians in agriculture, construction and other areas.