As a non-aligned voter who sits firmly on the fence looking at the partisan manoeuvres of our politicians, I can easily see why any investor would think twice about T&T.The recent visit by Saudi investors to Chaguaramas and Tobago is a good example, as the news media and Opposition politicians treat these investors as thieves rather than welcome them as potential stakeholders in our country who can bring value to the table, as other countries across the globe are doing right now.
The facts of the Chaguaramas Hotel deal are being ignored by everyone including the media who should have done their homework before writing unresearched editorials, commentaries or articles against this investor and the Chaguaramas Hotel developer in particular.If the truth as portrayed by the CDA is accurate, that the hotel was up for lease for more than ten years with public advertisements as recent as 2013, then it would be unfair for anyone to say this deal was made by secret people away from the scrutiny of the public.
Clearly, the public, local and international investors were invited to bid, send in proposals and to participate.Everything about the deal seems to be above board, and the facts cannot be ignored–the hotel was leased to an investor for $30 million for 30 years.The investor will take the expense of upgrading the hotel and operating rather than this asset being a drain on the Treasury into the future. Isn't this what we want?
The unwarranted attacks on investors for political mileage should be discouraged by all, whether in or out of government. If not, our country will be doomed to the sidelines of development.
Shorn Archibald,
Tunapuna