PM says Chaguaramas boardwalk will open new opportunities for tourism and commerce

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Thursday opened Phase 1 of the Chaguaramas Boardwalk, which she said is part of her government's plan for similar developments in other parts of the country. JYOTI has published below edited excerpts from her speech.

This Boardwalk is certain to serve as a respite for the weary to be rejuvenated.

Over the years the North West Peninsula has been regarded as a National Park to be used for the benefit of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Its unique physical characteristics make the area attractive for tourism, leisure and marine related industries, while the five scenic beachfront areas provide ideal conditions for the creation of entrepreneurial activities to support these industries through restaurants, shops, leisure and recreational facilities.

The continued physical development of the area has been a challenging balancing act to retain the pristine environmental beauty and serenity as well as to meet the needs of the varied users from recreation to industry.

I wish to applaud the Chaguaramas Development Authority on its vision for the area as being the premier provider of the ultimate customer experience in a world class eco-tourism destination, business and entertainment. 

The recognition by the Authority of the great potential of the Peninsula as a viable economic zone providing a varied tourism product that spans the areas of recreation, sport, health, business, festivals, culture and eco-tourism assures me that this National Park is in the hands of capable custodians. 

I urge the Chairman and his Board to work shoulder to shoulder with your line Minister to achieve our vision for Chaguaramas within the context of a larger vision for Trinidad and Tobago and its place in the world.

We have an action agenda in the Northwest peninsula and you will soon see action in other parts of the country as well – public, private and public-private partnership investments.

It is my understanding that many of the inputs into the construction of the Boardwalk include recycled and eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic decking and the solar powered lamps that will have minimal impact on the turtle, migratory birds, and our flora and fauna.

The commitment to a sustainable environment is therefore demonstrated not only in our words but by our actions.

The Second and Third Phases of the Boardwalk project will see the transformation of the Williams Bay area, where we will create an environment that will be enjoyed by future generations and cherished as our National Park. The jetties out to the sea will make a huge difference to the quality of life activities that will be possible in this peninsula.

While we are here to open the Boardwalk I must comment upon the simple transformation that is noticeable on entering the Peninsula, namely the Security presence at Tembladora and Williams Bay. 

 I have been advised that we have received the National Landscape Heritage Award for the Bamboo Cathedral which we all know as a signature site at Chaguaramas. Chaguaramas is truly something beautiful that we can be proud of.

Being here in Chaguaramas in this our Golden Jubilee year of celebration, I feel a strong sense of pride. I am committed to creating the conditions for a united people and to laying down the infrastructure for a purposeful nation and happier citizens.

As the leader of your country it is the well being of our people that is of greatest concern to me and it is the stability and progress of Trinidad and Tobago that most consumes my attention. I want to see our country leapfrog into the future; my government is working to make this economy thrive.

Let us build hope and trust and spirit, and let us work together for our country.
(Click this link Read the PM's full speech)