With the Caribbean already home to five major Sandals projects, Prime Minister Stuart Young is pushing for Tobago to be next on the list. Speaking after a stakeholder meeting on Monday with Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, the Prime Minister revealed he had one simple pitch: “Make Tobago the 6th.”
The meeting, described by Young as cordial and constructive, brought together key Tobago stakeholders to discuss the potential for a Sandals Resorts International investment on the island. Though still early in the process, Young expressed optimism that this initial engagement could pave the way for a new chapter in Tobago’s tourism development.
“They have six investments – no, five investments right now – of new hotels throughout the Caribbean that they are embarking on. I told him to make Tobago the sixth,” Young said.
He noted that while there was no firm timeline—particularly with a general election just three weeks away—the consensus from those present was clear: Tobago is ready to welcome the Sandals Group.
“We all recognise the period that we’re in, and we’re three weeks away from a General Election, so we did not put any timeline on it because we just wanted the opportunity for this first step.”
The meeting touched on potential sites, environmental considerations, and Sandals’ investment model. Young said no decisions have been made yet, and discussions with environmental NGOs would only be relevant once Sandals signals a firm interest.
“There was some discussion as to the sites, etc., location, I said, hey, let us not jump ahead of ourselves. There was also the question raised about the environmental NGOs, and the answer to that was that the environmental NGOs’ participation at this stage is premature because the first thing we need to do is get a ‘yes’ from Mr. Stewart and the Sandals Group that they’re prepared to come to Tobago.”
Those attending the meeting included Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, THA Assemblyman Watson Duke, Tobago Business Chamber President Martin George, as well as government ministers and representatives from the fishing and business sectors.
According to Young, Stewart was receptive to the idea and promised to take the proposal back to his team for further discussion.
“He has undertaken that they will go back, they will have the necessary discussions, and I am hoping in the not-too-distant future the Sandals Group will take a positive decision.”
Young also acknowledged the past failed attempt to bring Sandals to Tobago but said both parties agreed to start fresh.
“He did also say to us that it’s a clean slate. He is prepared from an investment point of view to indicate to all of us who are gathered there today that their usual model is one where he is prepared to invest in the plant, as we call it, the hotel itself.”
If all goes well, the Prime Minister said he looks forward to welcoming Stewart and the Sandals Group back to Tobago on April 29 for further talks.
