Parties who have expressed interest in the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort in Tobago have been invited to visit the hotel and the next step will be an evaluation of the proposals.
An upgrade project on the hotel is also expected to be completed by September 2022, Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon said in the Senate yesterday.
Opposition Senator Wade Mark had asked if the hotel is up for sale or partnership with any local or foreign interests.
Gopee-Scoon replied, “I’m sure you’d have seen in the national press in April, Evolving TecKnologies Enterprise Development Company Limited (eTecK) would have issued in the international marketplace and included locally, a request for expressions of interest for an international operator or investor or purchaser for the (hotel).
“Submissions to date, the response has been quite good and at this point parties have been invited to visit the hotel. Next step will be the evaluation of the proposals.”
Gopee-Scoon also replied to Mark’s query on steps to address a report by a US visitor - and the negative publicity suffered by the resort - after the need for structural repairs and improved service was highlighted.
The report about a fallen ceiling incident and claims of bad food made by a former guest circulated on social media. The guest was among 50 people accommodated at the hotel during February 25-27 this year.
Gopee-Scoon said, “eTecK has taken the necessary steps to address it and ensure the (hotel’s) policies, standards and procedures meet the highest levels of certification.
“The fallen ceiling incident, on 26 February at approximately 10.30 pm, caused no harm or injury to anyone. The video also included an unsubstantiated claim of bad food. The affected guest was compensated with a one-night refund and a formal apology was issued.”
Gopee-Scoon said the resort’s Engineering Department responded the same evening regarding the partially fallen ceiling.
“It was determined that the damage was largely due to a passing weather system that comprised strong winds, which was compounded by several storms within the past year that tested the (resort’s) infrastructure.
“Following the incident, the Chief Engineer and his team inspected both wings and all public areas and all infrastructure was found to be intact. The Engineering Department’s continued daily maintenance and upkeep of the resort; there is ongoing general maintenance that is required for the ageing property,” the Minister said.
She added, “In its 2021/2022 programme of works, eTecK is engaging a structural engineering consultancy to support the planned upgrade works of the north and south wings of the resort. The approved Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) funds for the consultancy and structural upgrade works are $503,250 and $759,000, respectively. Both the consultancy and upgrade project are expected to be completed by September 2022.”
In addition, Gopee-Scoon said Cabinet just approved $ 7.2 million for essential repairs and continued work on the Magdalena. This is also expected to impact positively on the hotel’s short-term commercial viability and its attractiveness for potential investment/divestment.
In light of the food incident, stricter management protocols were also implemented.
No work on Paria pipeline
since divers’ deaths
On another query, Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon said no work has been resumed on the No. 36 sea line pipeline at Paria Fuel Trading Company Ltd associated with the deaths of the four LMCS divers on February 25.
The divers were working on the pipeline when an incident occurred and they were sucked into the pipeline. One driver survived, while the bodies of the other four divers were recovered after several days.
A Commission of Enquiry is expected to begin procedural hearings in August.