Tobago Correspondent
Tobago vendors are complaining about being priced out of doing business at the newly constructed ANR Robinson International Airport terminal.
The terminal, now fully certified, was officially handed over by the National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO) during a ceremony in Tobago on Sunday.
It is expected to open soon, with Chief Secretary Farley Augustine previously hinting at a grand opening to coincide with Tobago Carnival in October.
However, in an interview with The Morning Brew yesterday, Curtis Williams, head of the Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said he is concerned that local vendors are being inadvertently sidelined. He said the Chamber has been lobbying the Airports Authority for Tobago entrepreneurs to get “first bite at the cherry.”
He argued, however, that the “cherry” is becoming too expensive.
Williams said the Airports Authority issued two requests for proposals (RFPs) for potential tenants to bid, but later recalled both. He noted that the planned layout includes a duty-free section on the upper level and a ground floor featuring grab-and-go restaurants and bars.
He said further consultation is needed, as the proposed rental prices would only be feasible for operators with substantial financial resources.
He argued that concessions should be made for small businesses, given that the airport is not expected to immediately operate at its full capacity of three million passengers annually.
Williams proposed reduced rent for small and medium-sized enterprises for a limited period, or even a temporary moratorium.
Williams said booth spaces of varying sizes were priced at US$25–35 per square foot and also depended on contract length.
He added that several additional costs would further increase the financial burden.
“Don’t forget you have to have a performance bond, public liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, car parking—all of this you have to pay,” he said.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, a vendor who sells sugar cakes, benne balls and other traditional Tobago treats at the old airport said there is significant uncertainty surrounding relocation.
The vendor, who has been in the business for over a decade, said she currently pays $56.25 in monthly rent. However, she said the fee proposed in the last RFP was $1,400, with an advance payment of up to three months required.
Asked whether she considered the fee too steep, she replied: “We don’t know what will happen up there. We thinking if there will be an influx (of visitors), but we don’t know.”
Meanwhile, at the Tobago Car Rental Association nearby, which comprises six companies sharing one lot, one owner said local operators are being pushed out of business.
“They trying to move us out and bring in the newer companies, else they would have made it more affordable,” he said.
He also claimed the RFP required a percentage of sales in addition to rental fees.
He said some owners have already opted to relocate closer to the new airport by purchasing land near the terminal in order to capture foot traffic.
“I support the move to the new airport, but it is a big ask for us.”
“Where does that put most of the Tobago operators? Some have the finances to purchase land, but some can’t.
