I Love Tobago sign unveils new tourism thrust

The I Love Tobago gateway sign, which was launched on the Scarborough Esplanade on Thursday, is being hailed as the first major initiative in repositioning the island as a leading tourist destination, post-covid19.

A project of the Division of Settlement, Urban Renewal and Public Utilities, the sign, made of marine grade, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, is 54 feet long and eight feet high.

It was built by Tobago contractor Deon Rojas and is located on the western end of the esplanade.

In delivering remarks at the simple ceremony, Settlement, Urban Renewal and Public Utilities Secretary Clarence Jacob, said the sign will contribute to Tobago’s tourism product at a time when the island is still grappling with the fallout from covid19 and the efforts to combat it.

“It is envisioned that when the threat of covid19 is no longer with us, Tobago’s tourism product will be ready with various incentives being currently offered. This is among the first major tourism drives to move the sector,” he said.

Jacob, who conceptualised the idea, said Scarborough was selected as the site for the sign because it is the island’s main port “and Tobago needs an exceptional attraction that will welcome visitors.”

He added visitors will now be able to take photographs at the site “and when they leave our shores they will show off the brand name Tobago for hundreds to see via social media.”

Chief Secretary and Secretary for Tourism, Culture and Transportation Ancil Dennis said the installation of the sign was timely given the Tobago House of Assembly’s plan to boost domestic tourism, in the first instance.

However, he challenged the division to do more by erecting statues and monuments of some of Tobago’s calypso icons.

“I am saying that after we launch this particular initiative, I am looking forward to seeing a Calypso Rose (McArtha Lewis) statue somewhere in Tobago,” he said.

“I am also looking forward to seeing, at some point in time, a Shadow (Winston Bailey) statue as well and those other monuments, sites and landmarks that will celebrate and remind Tobagonians of the contributions of many of our past and present icons.”

Dennis urged Tobagonians to truly live the words in the sign. “Let us demonstrate that love not only be ensuring that we treat that environment and our surroundings in a particular way, but let us demonstrate that love most of all by how we treat our people and relate to one another.”

Division administrator Myrna Mc Leod hopes the sign, the first of its kind in TT, will engender a strong sense of pride and patriotism in citizens.

She also urged Tobagonians to enjoy and preserve the sign.

“It will form a strong part of the island’s economic sustainability in this critical time in our nation’s history,” she said.