An alternative solution for T&TTHE EDITOR: It is now time to look at the facts of the World today and take precautions, which might save the welfare of Tobago. We have now come to a period with a worldwide recession and this will undoubtly affect the Tourism in Tobago. The tourism in Tobago is the main income on this Island and when the income goes down due to fewer Tourists, then the population in Tobago will suffer. The recession in USA and Europe is a fact. Inflation is on the rise and these 2 things will get people to prioritise otherwise and their spending habits will move from traveling to paying rent and food, that will say fewer Tourists will visit Tobago in the future. It is a known fact that tourist arrivals in Tobago have gone down over the last couple of years. The Government and THA are trying to improve the situation, but in vain. Seeing all this bad signs must wake up the THA and the Government. The time has now come to do something serious quickly. They have to find ways to make jobs for the people of Tobago and not jobs with CEPEP or Division of Infrastructure, but attractive jobs within the building sector and the service sector. When you are cornered then you must find solutions, which are far away from the daily routine and norms. What was the norm yesterday, will not work when you are cornered. The first step could be to change the stipulations in The Alien Land act and allow Foreigners to buy land up to say 15.000 sq. feet (today up to 1 acre) in Tobago to be used for private homes. The Foreigners would not need a special permission in order to buy property in Tobago. No more valuation of Tobago land shall take place in Trinidad. Foreign companies, which would like to set up factories in Tobago, are welcome, but the land they need could be leased for 99 years from THA or the Government. This would give a yearly income to THA/Government. Parcels are available at the Cove Eco-Industrial Estate, just talk to THA. The second step and may be most controversial is as follows: The last couple of years the THA have brought up a lot of Estates and my suggestion is that one of these Estates is going to be developed to a Gated Community a la "Sun City" in USA. In this Gated Community Foreign or local Pensioners over 50 years are allowed to buy a parcel of land not over 15.000 sq. feet and build a retirement home. These foreign Pensioners are given status as Residents, but have to accept certain rules, such as: Proof of sickness insurance, so they will never burden the Public Hospitals. In case of emergency they will be treated, but the Hospital shall write a bill for the service. Pay Income Tax of the money they bring into Trinidad and Tobago. Costs of building the Retirement Home shall not be taxed; only the usual VAT on building material and labor shall be paid. Accept that the Status as Resident is not a working permit. Only non-paying charity work is allowed. The Retirement home is not allowed to be used as a Guest House and no rental to Third Party is allowed. No business is permitted. Government could call for other conditions. How would this idea affect Tobago? Employment for contractors, masons, joiners, plumbers and electricians etc. Greatly improved turn over in Hardware stores in the Construction period and in the Super Markets and shops after the Pensioners move into the houses. Permanent work for maintenance personnel for the ground and buildings in the Community. Service personnel would be needed for pool up keep and sanitation. Unfortunately it might bring some more cars on the Roads of Tobago but a limit of one car per house could be implemented. For Tobago to survive, new ideas have to be implemented and above could be one. The $200 million for renovation of the former Tobago Hilton and eventual building of new hotels will not save the Tourism in Tobago. Tourism is heading for a serious recession in the next 2-4 years, so find other solutions, but act fast. Regards Jens Helmark |
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re sun city said on Tuesday, Feb 7 at 6:42 PM
the title should read SIN CITY full of crooks and low lifes.
81019917Anonymous said on Friday, Feb 3 at 9:33 AM
To own property in tobago is a fools game, since london changed rules , some people are trapped with in the property, very difficult to sell and get out, the government would prefer all foreign land owners to leave property and get off the island,the government will then take over the land, or some scum will move on to land that is not theirs and try to take it over, much sculldudgery and deceit , trust no one ,good luck in trying to sell ,
80824629conscioutringonian said on Wednesday, Jan 25 at 9:53 AM
We need to check out WHY??? WHY??? A LA SUN CITY ALONE GETS A whole estate and no other foreingner is allowed??????WHAT are the ties???? Who or how is the money being provided FOR THIS DEVELOPMENT?????Please bring it to the public fore.Why can't Tobagonians also share in this project.???
80372814Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 24 at 3:58 PM
Many investors has longed invest in Tobagoes economy, because of tourismn and they have used their own money, What in heavens name are you talking about comparatively. Tobago is an Island of how many, who in their right mind would bring lucrative investments to a country with so few citizens, virginia do your home-work before comments are beign made. sometimes i swear you are restrained in your thinking.And stop your love hate relationship with tobago, after all you are Tobagonian.
80337249Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 24 at 3:45 PM
Foreigners are no longer allowed to buy lands in Tobago because it has destroyed the core values of the finaancial sector for locals,and has become difficult to sentimentalize with the ludicrosly impossibility for many citizens to afford a decent and productive living. If the THA goes ahead with A LA SUN CITY, its only because they have gravitated into a false superior mentality.which idolizes a lifestyle collabarated by the wealthy. Which simply means they are no longer for the majority.
80336544CONSCIOUSTRINGONIAN said on Tuesday, Jan 24 at 11:49 AM
I DO THINK THAT it is unfair for the THA to offer a whole estate for "A LA SUN CITY" to develop while at the same time preventing the purchase of land to other foreigners. This needs to be changelled, why are you the THA allowing one set of foreigners to develop a whole estate, while some cannot even own a sim ple ,5000 sq ft space. Are there some special arragements between A LA SUN CITY and the THA we need to know???????
80321782Anonymous said on Monday, Jan 23 at 3:36 PM
The socializing factor ,which differenciates Tobago is that they live together in a large scale community,thus creating an equal opportunity complex for all alike,regardless of race colour,wealth,or jobb. To separate that structure would only weaken the productivity for the younger generation growing up in less fortunate homes. You mentioned that they open their own buisnesses, is that not service?How can service suddenly be called sevitude.They are not living segrgated, they are living in the norm.You must understand Trinbagonians are used to living in a healty ,happy atmosphere and so its much easier for a foreigner to adapt under such living conditions in our country,while Trinbagonians find it much more difficult to adapt in a society where every-one keeps to themselves. As for agriculture and fishing we do have existing amenities available for the local market which at the moment is acceptable.
80282507the virginian said on Monday, Jan 23 at 3:11 PM
Conscious,you are right but only if Tobagonians were the only ones footing the bill and they were intoxicated with benevolence and altruism.An investor,by definition,is a risk-taker and if the rewards weren't comparable,where's the incentive to commit large sums of money?You said the'advantage'must first be for Tobagonians but perhaps the investor as well as Tobagonians should benefit comparatively and there should be no'advantage,'per se.Yes,a zero plus game where everyone wins,right? Remember,any investor,whether Tobagonian or outsider will put his/her resources where the potential ROI is the most promising.It's comfortable and convenient to think of the so-called 'advantage Tobago' when it's someone else's money and you're not on the hook should the venture fail.The pot must be sweetened for the investor as well or else Tobago's economic development will just be a pipe dream which,essentially,it has been thus far.
80281247conscioutringonian said on Monday, Jan 23 at 12:48 PM
Whatever the investment it should be to the advantage of Tobagonians.!!!!1
80273817Yesman said on Sunday, Jan 22 at 9:08 AM
Well the shoe is on the other foot I guess. All you Trinbagonians go outside and live in segregated communities, provide commerce, maxi's, and set up your own business' for your own people. Rich vs. Poor, and CEPEP? me laugh. You all have a chance to make plenty of money in agriculture, fishing, construction. You do not see the politicians are taking your money and leave pennies for you. Some do not want to produce anything, but keep your hands out. Do not want to give service because service equals servitude in your minds. Everyone has a point of view and a culture, but if it is not Tobagonian it is out of place. You all want to live in the bright places and lie cheat and steal to get and stay there. Some people like this place and want to live here, so a handful of people will change the likes of Tobago? or you just scared of hearing the truth. I guess the mantra of life for all is selective to locals only! The article is just an idea, about improving the local economy.
80227902Anonymous said on Sunday, Jan 22 at 4:55 AM
foundation for any country and should be held held together in an encorageable advance fashion.What is beign offered in the article is a short term form of negative wealth,with many hidden traps.We have Tobagonians to the bone, and a more cultural Tobagonians to the bone, But in some-way and GOD-like manner we connect and unite together as a christmas national family regardless, THIS IS PRICELESS IN EVER-WAY. lET US WAKE UP and remain Tobagonians to the bone cultural and not so cultural,one love.
80224594Anonymous said on Sunday, Jan 22 at 4:49 AM
As his slogan stabilises in the hearts of many"change,possibilities,while hope rises in the manufacturing brains of a upcomming generation."Should a society be built with such horrendous inbalances?,"I say no",That foundation should be in place from the beggining,where all believe in the possibilities to achieve a dignified life rgardless."REGARDLESS I LEAVE FOR DISCUSSION."When you look at the hotel industry ,there was a time when locals were welcomed to be a part of its life,now hotel owners are disgusted by their presence.Locals are ostracied in their own country,beaches alike.We do not need separate communities beign built ,which would evidently increase the gap of poverty and wealth in a negative manner ,but should in respect dignify each other.HOW?I LEAVE FOR DISCUSSION.The rare and uniqueness in Tobago,which remains GOD soild is that it does not matter if you clean,teach ect ect,you are valued by your character and not your prestige.It is the true and most valuable foundation fo
80224524Anonymous said on Sunday, Jan 22 at 4:20 AM
There are certain stipulations of laws put together by GOD to keep his foundations unshattered for our safety and growth. These barriers should only be discussed and broaden,only if it characterizes the value of sensibility within the framework of,"be friutful,before multiplication".We hane tested these laws by multipling our own self-willed remonstrance and seen the decline of or profanity.In or profanity we have hugely damage this foundation and in crept rising criminal endeavours towards the human race in our country.We have lost our innocence,and this article holds no regards for our national anthemn,"where every creed and race finds an equal place ,so that GOD will bless our nation". How we find that equality must be in line with"Together we aspire ,Together we achieve",with the intellectual faculties of GOD.We are aware that their would always be those who are wealthier and those who are poorer, their must be a fair and just balances between the two.There is already a presiding a
80224269Anonymous said on Sunday, Jan 22 at 4:04 AM
The set backs were many ,plus damaging.The few who gained ,were cheated by lack of knowledge of their true value and worth.When it comes to industrilization,more specific details must be involed,because you cannot mix Tobago with large scale countries which have room and space on the outskirts.We can be in jeopardy of loosing our trademark as a tranquil,serene carribbean destination and we need to keep our reform trademark intakt.We must be selective by which outside influences is productive for the country and which is detrimental.We should not and cannot afford to take politics from different countries and enforce it every-where,its fool idiotic. The longgevity is an uncontrolable system, leaving room for a variety of criminal elements and lobbying.
80224112Anonymous said on Sunday, Jan 22 at 3:55 AM
To touch CPEP is to take away the hands of GOD in the lifes of many.One mst always and protect the rights of the poor to feed themselves and families. We must not indulge in keeping them under desperation and oppression. We do not need the anger of GOD hoovering over our heads. How can we as a people constantly talk about reproaching peoples rights to a livelihood. Have they not the right to some human decency.Instead you people want to preserve poverty,despair,human injustice and criminal uprising elements. We are a foundation of GOD lets not forget it. If we lose sight of CPEPS value we lose our soul.My question is,What is the demonic force behind the reason for wanting to demolish and demoralise CPEP? The people of Tobago are loved by GOD and they do not need to build a society outside of his loveand care,but should spend time nurturing and capturing his protective care around them.When Tobagonians stop believing in God and each other,but put their hope in tourismn,the set backs wer
80224011Foreign Investment said on Saturday, Jan 21 at 2:57 PM
I dont think so, first for any business , security for its workers and its investment, it has been found over the years Tobagans are unreliable in their work ethics ,it would be one long headache , for me I will put my money else where,it will be interesting to watch,good luck to those that try, take care
80203599Anonymous said on Saturday, Jan 21 at 2:40 PM
At the moment all i have to say is that you people are crazy, this is definietly not the solution for Tobago. Its a trap, the rich poor segregation would be so high,that Tobago would fall deeper down into the pits. What he is suggesting in many areas of Tobago has already beign done. The ideas is a no, no no. WOULD BE BACK.
80203104we wish said on Saturday, Jan 21 at 2:25 PM
get a move on , earn your own money NO MORE UK HAND OUTS.
80202726Masul said on Saturday, Jan 21 at 5:22 AM
Good comment, virginian
80191069the virginian said on Friday, Jan 20 at 12:12 PM
Yesman,I have been forever preaching in this forum the need for Tobagonians and the "power-elite" in Tobago to woo foreign/outside capital and investment obviously without prohibitive government regulations and interference.But regrettably,at the end of the day,I always get the feedback that Tobagonians are somewhat non-receptive and hostile to foreigners and outside investment fearing that they'd be cheated out of their Tobago birthright.Don't understand it,but then again,I haven't lived there for almost 45 years.What I do know is that local capital is woefully inadequate to finance the type of wholesale economic development to meet the population demands.It's so obvious on my periodic jaunts there.Just look around and it's patently evident that apart from the relatively meagre offerings in the local market square and storefronts,Tobago has to import even the basics for it's survival.Yes,I mean for it's survival. I,too,hope someone listens. Good luck Tobago.
80157229Yesman said on Friday, Jan 20 at 8:22 AM
Sounds good, foreign investment, foreigners spending hard currency. It will be like other countries where ethnic groups live together, spend together. I hope someone listens Jens.
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