Making Chaguaramas world class

 

 

 

Senator the Honourable Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Minister of Planning and the Economy; the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Juliana Johan-Boodram; Ms. Sheryl-Anne Haynes and Ms. Vidiah Ramkhelawan, Deputy Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry of Planning and the Economy met with Mr. Daniel Solomon, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) and his team in an introductory session on June 17, 2011.  This meeting also served to begin discussions on the way forward for the development of the 14 572 acres of land in the north west of the island of Trinidad which also includes five (5) offshore islands and a peninsula.

Minister Tewarie started the proceedings by thanking the board members for their leadership and their acceptance of responsibility, while pointing out that their dedication and camaraderie was a positive step in fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to them by the State.  Dr. Tewarie urged them to be “inclusive rather than exclusive, so that everyone associated with CDA can aspire and achieve”.  He also reminded them that the present required immediate action but the task was not for the present only, since the sustainable development perspective required a long term view.

 

 

 

 

The CDA highlighted numerous benefits of the land area which potential for an expanded golf course, cruise line operations, tours, business development strategies, yachting and marine education, water transport, cultural expositions which will not only have a place in the local market but as an international destination for eco-travellers and mariners.  The human resources of the park was a positive note, with the board members stating that there was a high level of employee satisfaction among the 247 members of staff because of initiatives taken by the Board.  While certain challenges such as waste management and crime have been identified, the CDA is making efforts to deal with this by working with the necessary authorities.

 

 

Both parties agreed that a cooperative approach with all stakeholders was necessary to overcome the challenges, and a great deal of diligence to implement the plans, interventions and ideas necessary to maximize the full potential of Chaguaramas and to cement the significance of this small area in Trinidad and Tobago which had deep meaning for citizens and could offer great value to the world.