Every time I come across the discourse regarding the negotiations between Sandals Resorts and our Government, I can’t help but think about a famous sculpture known simply as “Nike Adjusting Her Sandal.” It’s a marble relief (circa 410 BC), about a metre in height, carved on a parapet on the south side of the Temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It depicts Nike, the goddess of victory, daintily reaching towards her sandal. You’re probably wondering what it has to do with the before-mentioned negotiations. Well, I’ve come up with three features of the artwork that can be used to discuss the concerns surrounding the deal. Readers… if you’re still with me, I beg your indulgence. I also recommend that you find an image of the sculpture; a visual reference will be most helpful.
The first feature relates to Nike’s body. Despite being clothed in typical Greek drapery, the nameless artist has given us the illusion of the garment’s transparency. We can easily see the outline of her figure: shoulders, bosom, abdomen, and thigh; she’s far from being nude, but she’s not exactly being modest either. The same can’t be said for the purposeful lack of transparency with the Sandals deal. The Prime Minister and his Cabinet have been hard at work hitting the stump, trying to convince the public that the secrecy is really nothing to worry about. However, considering our country’s history of government misspending and misappropriation, the average Trinbagonian might not be so easily placated.
We are all too familiar with how the public purse and our natural resources have been taken advantage of just to enrich private business interests. Who’s to say that the same isn’t happening here? After all, Sandal’s wants to make money, and there’s no doubt that they are demanding and will be granted favourable concessions. Until we know what those concessions are, and whether they are fair or at our expense, there’s little reason for us to believe that everything—to quote the Bob Marley song used in their commercials —will “be all right.”
That brings me to the second feature—the peculiarity of Nike’s stance. With one of her legs raised and bent at the knee, she looks awkward and off-balanced. This defies the tendency of Classical Greek art to accentuate the human physique by framing it in a proper posture, one that is relaxed, yet exudes confidence. The People’s National Movement Government finds itself similarly unbalanced as well—caught between appeasing Sandals and doing what’s best for the country. But when you listen to Dr Rowley tout the Sandals project, his overzealous advocacy almost sounds like he’s representing their interests instead of ours.
It has even allowed the resort’s CEO, Adam Stewart, to appear like an honest broker when pressed for details about the deal. He’s been able to pay lip service to wanting everything done above board, leaving the Government with the responsibility of running his company’s public relations campaign. And it appears that they are willing to go to great lengths to sell the deal.
Speaking at the recent PNM Convention, the MP for Tobago West, Shamfa Cudjoe, labelled those who opposed the project as “naysayers” and criticised them for working against the economic development of the island. Who would have thought that embracing a foreign conglomerate would be considered an act of patriotism.
Finally, the third feature highlights the activity for which the sculpture is named. Art historians have suggested that the relief may have served as a form of instruction, advising pilgrims to follow Nike’s example by removing their footwear before walking on hallowed ground. Tobago, in a sense, is sacred to all citizens, especially to those who live there. But are we treating the island with the respect it deserves? Local watchdog groups have continually raised queries as to how the proposed 1,000-room resort will affect the environment. Especially since there’s already some speculation that a popular piece of pristine real estate is being offered up as its future site.
But beyond that, there’s the human cost that must be taken into account as well. The island’s economy was already hit hard by the collapse of the seabridge earlier this year. Even though Mr Stewart has promised to provide jobs and support local industries, if the presence of a recognisable hotel brand leads to an increase in tourism, it’s because they are coming to stay there. And if all their vacation needs are met at the resort, then there’s a chance they could visit the island without ever “seeing” it. Needless to say, Tobagonians should be insulted by such a possibility.
Putting my classically-themed comparison aside, I am not completely against the idea of “Sandals Tobago.” At best there will be some economic benefits, but at the very least it will be a boost to the island’s reputation as a tourist destination. Unfortunately, there is the persistent fear that after we help them set up shop, the company will arrive and through whatever arrangement is made with the Government, leave us with the short end of the stick while they reap the rewards. The success of any deal is predicated on both parties getting what they want while sacrificing little in return. And therein lies the problem—the people of T&T only have a vague idea of what they’re getting and no idea of what they’re giving up. The answers to these questions will determine who will end up singing Nike’s praises. Us or Sandals Resorts…