The opening of the $40-plus million Dennis P Ramdhan Complex is being seen as a plus for the development of the hospitality industry by Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts.
Mitchell expressed the view, while delivering the feature address at the formal launch of the facility, a conference centre located at Sonny Ladoo Trace, Mc Bean Couva on Friday.
Mitchell also praised the Ramdhan Family, the proprietors of the D and D Group of Companies for investing in T&T.
He said, “We appreciate, that you the Ramdhan family could have taken your investment anywhere else in the world, but you chose our beloved country and for that, on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Tourism Culture and the Arts, we are truly grateful for your investment.”
Mitchell added, “This complex is seen by us as a highly valuable asset in our country’s hospitality sector, and an asset that will not only return value to its investors, but one that will create enormous economic opportunities for those participants in the hospitality sector who will contribute to the successful and memorable events to be held in these spaces.
This unique and versatile space will become an engine that will provide economic opportunities for those in the food and beverage sector, event planners and coordinators, entertainers, and other professionals who all belong to the value chain that will lead to this property. So from our perspective, we don’t just see a well-designed property, we see opportunities for economic stimulation in the south central region and beyond which translates into jobs and earning opportunities for our citizens here in this community.”
Mitchell said the hospitality sector contributes billions of dollars to GDP and provides thousands of jobs.
“Prior to the pandemic, the industry largely contributed about 3 to 5 per cent of GDP which amounts to about $13 billion dollars and the sector employed around 25,000 jobs. At the ministry we continue to work towards increasing this contribution to GDP and sector employment by stimulating investment into the tourism sector which is heavily dependent on everything involving hospitality,” said Mitchell.
Director of the D and D Group of Companies, Denice Ramdhan, said the complex was a lifelong dream of her father Dennis P Ramdhan.
She said, “The Dennis P Ramdhan Complex is a great representation of not just bricks and mortar; but a culmination of a lifelong dream. The Ramdhan family has always held a deep appreciation for our community’s vibrant spirit and potential. Mr Dennis P Ramdhan envisioned the Dennis P Ramdhan Complex as a space to celebrate life’s special moments, foster connections, and contribute to the community’s growth.”
Dennis P Ramdhan said he envisions the Complex as a platform for businesses and entertainers to create memories.
“We are committed to supporting local needs and becoming a space that encourages relationships and growth,” he said, before thanking his family and the team that worked to bring the project to fruition.