GEISHA KOWLESSAR-ALONZO
Senior Reporter
geisha.kowlessar@guardian.co.tt
In 2019, Sandals Resorts International withdrew from Tobago after controversy over the project on the island. Now the international hotel brand is set to return as fresh negotiations are expected to begin next month when Sandals executives arrive in T&T.
This was announced by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who made the comments at yesterday’s commissioning of Tobago’s new terminal of the ANR Robinson International Airport.
The move has been welcomed by economists Dr Ronald Ramkissoon, Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon, and political analyst Dr Winford James.
Ramkissoon said if talks with Sandals result in concrete plans, it will bring T&T on an international footing in the global hotel sector.
“If the right agreements are reached, these can serve as springboards for the development of Tobago,” he said.
However, Ramkissoon said it was important for the country to know exactly where its interests lie and that negotiations are done in good faith.
“We need to pay attention to issues like the environment, which is very critical to the island economy, and we need to ensure that as far as possible we do in fact get the kinds of revenues that are going to offset the costs that usually arise in respect of any form of foreign investment. It is important the positives offset the cost,” Ramkissoon explained.
Arjoon also agreed that any decision by Sandals to invest in building a hotel in Tobago will present significant economic advantages for the economy, particularly in light of the recent opening of a new airport.
He noted this will stimulate job creation, both directly through hotel operations and indirectly via the supply chain and ancillary services such as transportation, food production, and retail.
For instance, Arjoon further explained that local farmers and food processing sectors will be able to capitalise on the increased demand generated by the hotel’s operations, creating a stable and lucrative market for these businesses.
He added this will not only provide opportunities to the local agricultural sector but also encourage value-added activities in food processing—they should also formulate an agreement that a minimum percentage of food items at the hotel should be sourced locally, providing a guaranteed market for farmers and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Arjoon said this was especially critical for Tobago, where economic opportunities are less diverse.
“The influx of employment can increase household incomes in Tobago and improve living standards, fostering a more robust local economy. Additionally, the hotel’s presence will likely attract other businesses, such as restaurants, tour operators, and craft vendors, creating a multiplier effect that amplifies economic growth across the region,” Arjoon said.
He said the new airport enhances Tobago’s accessibility, making it a more attractive destination for international tourists. Sandals’ reputation as a luxury brand can position Tobago as a premium tourist destination, drawing higher-spending visitors and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
Arjoon said the tourism revenue can be reinvested into local infrastructure, education, and healthcare, further driving long-term development in Tobago.
Additionally, he noted the hotel’s operations can spur skills development and capacity building among the local workforce, leveraging Tobago’s hotel school to enhance training and expertise in hospitality and service industries, stating that overall, Sandals’ investment aligns with T&T’s strategic goal of diversifying the economy, creating a more sustainable and resilient economic future.
James, who also welcomed the move, said this must be done with agreement with the “people of Tobago” and “not forced on them.”
“If Tobago wants it, let’s go with it, but he (Rowley) can’t force himself on Tobago. It is always subject to what the people want. Always it has to be what the people want,” James added.