OMG Digital Magazine OMG Issue 290 4th January 2017 | Page 31

OMG Digital Magazine | 290 | Thursday 4 January 2017 • PAGE 31
Cedric Lythcott Packer in the Circulation
Department (1958 – 2017), and Cedric Sandiford
Senior Pre-Press Supervisor (1960 – 2017)
ALL HANDS ON DECK
For 2018, Tobagonians must remain focused and
motivated. THA Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles, in his
New Year address, said all hands are needed to foster
development on the island, especially in the areas of
tourism and agriculture. “The Tobago House of Assembly
has recognised the need for sustainable development,
and as such, has been making significant progress in the
agriculture and tourism sectors,” Charles said.
“We have been critically reviewing these sectors as we
prepare to develop and expand both sectors to meet
their full potential, [to] create jobs and foster business
and economic development, [and to] encourage
entrepreneurship aimed at generating and supplementing
economic activity in Tobago.”
Charles said because of economic constraints, past
initiatives had to be examined in order to pave the
way forward for long-term growth. “In the last year, we
have undertaken a review of the tourism marketing
and promotion strategy for Tobago in a bid to realise
maximum benefits and to re-affirm its position as a critical
economic driver for this island.” The Chief Secretary said
Tobago’s agricultural policy has also been reviewed in an
effort to get more people involved in farming, which will
also create more jobs on the island.
TIME TO SEIZE CRUISE OPPORTUNITIES
Entrepreneurs and workers in the tourism and hospitality industry are being
encouraged to take advantage of the ongoing cruise season. The 2017-2018
cruise season will be a record one, with Tobago expected to receive the most
cruise ship calls in its history, with passenger arrivals upwards of 103,000.
Last month, several cruise ships docked at the Scarborough Port, including
the MV Britannia, the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, and the Pacific Princess.
The Division is encouraging the business community, tour operators, taxi
owners and entrepreneurs to capitalise on the opportunities presented by
an increase in cruise activity.