SATURDAY NEWSDAY JUNE 8, 2 K 13... 35M development plan for Chag By Rachael Espinet Saturday, June 8 2013 Thirty-five million dollars will be spent on Phase Two of the Chaguaramas Development Plan which should turn the 14,572-acre peninsula into what Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development, Dr Bhoendratt Tewarie, said will be “the pre-eminent world destination.” Speaking yesterday at the sod-turning for the expansion of the Chaguaramas Boardwalk and the launch of ZIP-TT Adventure Tours on the Chaguaramas Board Walk, Williams Bay, Tewarie said “the work that has been done by the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) over the past year is clearly signalling that the future is upon us, and they are doing their part to ensure that the peninsula is prepared to play a major role in the future of our country.” Along with the extension of the Boardwalk and the Zip-line adventures and canopy tours, the CDA will begin work on a “world-class, championship level” on an 18-hole golf course; develop the Harts Cut shopping Centre, and upgrade of the Chaguaramas Hotel and Convention Centre into a World Class, Five Star Facility and Business Centre. Some other facilities the CDA plans on putting in, include a children’s play park, rock climbing facilities, a “Carnival style” amusement park, a jogging Track, an amphitheatre, and a water park. Tewarie said Phase two will develop Chaguaramas into place that appeals to everyone who enters the site. “The location of Chaguaramas and the five islands to the northwest makes an advantage that calls to water lovers, yachting enthusiasts, land lovers, nature enthusiasts, hikers, divers, and the list goes on,” he said. Tewarie said there is an increasing interest, both international and regional, in the peninsula from both local and international investors. Several investors have expressed interest in Chaguaramas which add up to approximately $4.5 billion US. He said this reflects the “huge potential” Chaguaramas has for developing alternative and non-traditional business opportunities such as tourism and eco-friendly businesses, global marine services, light manufacturing, entertainment, knowledge-based industries, intensive agriculture, cottage industries, and retail, as well as the “most beautiful” natural vistas that would create perfect settings for movie productions and commercial photography, on both land and sea. “The changing global environment requires that Trinidad and Tobago begins to accelerate diversification efforts by seeking to invest more in alternative industries that can generate employment, new business opportunities as well as an environment that encourages confidence and growth,” Tewarie said. The CDA will also improve the accessibility to Chaguaramas by implementing a water taxi service that will take people to and from the peninsula. There will be one boat going to the area and one boat coming back from the area during the weekday and two round trips operating during the weekend. Tewarie stated that along with the measures that the CDA was taking to improve the Chaguaramas area, he pleaded with the citizens of to take care of the area, and not litter. The ZIP-TT Adventure Tours would be the first company to offer Zip Lining and Canopy adventures in the country. According to the Marketing Manager of ZIP-TT, Gary Deveaux, four years ago the company, that also has a similar course in St Lucia, approached the ministry to create the park. He said ZIP-TT is not just about adventure courses, but to promote the Diversity of Eco-tourism and job creation in the area. Tewari explicitly stated that the ZIP-TT company has taken out insurance to protect the patrons of the facility, and the CDA also took out insurance for the company.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Jun 2013 05:40:00 +0000
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