Tourism division to upgrade Tobago beach facilities

THE Division of Tourism, Culture and Transportation will be upgrading a number of beach facilities on the island to improve safety, increase comfort and enhance the general aesthetics.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Assistant Secretary of the Division of Tourism, Culture and Transportation Shomari Hector at the post Executive Council media briefing.

Hector said Buccoo beach facility continues to be a hub of activity and an upgrade was necessary.

He said, "Persons and their safety must be a greater priority for this administration. Therefore, we are proposing the construction of a lifeguard tower at the Buccoo beach facility. Buccoo is a community that generates sustained interest owing to the goat and crab races and all of the activities surrounding our Easter cerebration. We know it is notable for our Sunday School event...We believe it is of paramount importance to establish a lifeguard facility to secure the safety and well-being not just of the people of Tobago but all those who will grace those beaches and enjoy the offerings."

Also earmarked for improvement works was King's Bay in Delaford.

"Recently in my newly appointed role, I had the opportunity to visit our sites and attractions...to ensure we bring up to standard the facility there. As we are aware, King's Bay beach facility is now being earmarked as a blue flag beach therefore certain maintenance standards must be met, certain facility upgrades must be undertaken in order for that honour to be conferred."

Hector said Bloody Bay will benefit and projects previously put on pause will resume.

"We also envisage and will undertake in the week ahead, solar panels upgrades and repairs to the natural park and lookout centre at Bloody Bay. Owing to the natural reserve status of this park, it was not an available option for the commissioning of electricity and mainstream electricity for the area. In order to generate power and to assist with the natural offerings there, the decision was taken to include solar panels.

"In the recent past we would have done extensive work at Mt Irvine Bay beach facility. I think the waste management system there was redone. We would have resurfaced the car park and prior to covid19, we would have began work on the cabanas and concessionaire areas. Those things were obviously affected by the pandemic and we are saying the time has come to put priority to these areas again."