Obviously, Tobago hotel owners may allegedly fear the effect of the Sandals franchise. Let us talk. Let us all not be small minded. Read my lips. The time has come to admit that the hotels in Tobago cannot support the necessary economic realities needed to bolster the tourism industry.
When do we acknowledge that we cannot compare to Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, St Vincent, St Lucia, The Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, for attracting the truly wealthy visitor arrivals on a year-round basis?
Tobago is exceptionally beautiful, clean, green, and serene. The sun, sand, and the sea come with the territory. The difference with the above destinations is that they have many more first-class rooms.
In order to make money, do you mentally and emotionally walk or do you fly into economic paradise?
The collapse of the seabridge did not cause Tobago to lose billions of dollars. Some few million, yes, but the claims of billions of losses to small business? No. Bring the evidence of previous bills from over the years.
We continue to believe that being beautiful is enough to be profitable. Any modern woman can tell you that if you have enough money and the correct store/plastic surgeon or diet, you can buy beauty over the counter.
The pluses outweigh the minuses for accepting Sandals as the beautifying change agent for Tobago.
Think big. Think modern. Think five-star accommodation and 750-1,000 rooms, and the truth will set us all free.
Lynette Joseph
Diego Martin.