Key takeaways from the Tobago House of Assembly virtual post executive council briefing.
This week, Chief Secretary Ancil K. Dennis addressed the media on the following issues –
CREATIVE ARTS
– The Tobago Performing Arts Company, led by CEO Elvis Radgman, has been making headway in developing the creative arts sector.
– Tobago must be known as the hub of creativity; the island should be the envy of others across the Caribbean and be referred to as “Festival island”.
– Tobago actively moving towards having its own carnival; not a second carnival but a different approach to what already exists.
COVID-19
– Chief Secretary Dennis said he’s heartened by the COVID-19 trajectory in Trinidad and Tobago. He saluted the Prime Minister and his team as well as health workers and the general public for their efforts in the fight against the virus.
– Silent heroes, including those providing food and psychological support, were saluted.
– Persons are being encouraged to get vaccinated. A special appeal was made to healthcare workers.
– The Chief Secretary said he’s seeing light at the end of the tunnel as restrictions are being lifted.
TOURISM
– Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global tourism sector has accumulated tremendous losses.
– 6,000 jobs were impacted in Tobago, whether by losses or reduced salaries.
– Trinidad and Tobago’s borders were recently reopened and Chief Secretary Dennis said that Monarch is scheduled to resume flights to Tobago in November 2021. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic will also resume flights to the destination, although no timelines have been given.
– The THA is awaiting confirmation from Sunwing regarding resumption of flights to Tobago.
– Caribbean Airlines to have direct flights to Tobago from New York and Barbados.
– The THA continues to place focus on improving Tobago’s tourism sector as a number of recommendations are being made to the Chief Secretary and other members of the Executive Council.
– Emphasis will be placed on other tourism niches such as wellness tourism and eco-tourism to name a few.
– An international organization, in collaboration with the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Institute, is to facilitate an island-wide customer service training programme.
– Tourism sites and attractions continue to be upgraded and the signage upgrade project is ongoing.
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