e TecK hosts Public Consultation to undertake improvement works along Magdalena Grand coastline

Evolving TecKnologies and Enterprise Development Company Limited (e TecK) in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport hosted a public consultation meeting to present the specifics of proposed works to undertake improvement works at the beach of e TecK’s hotel asset, Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort on Tuesday 9^th October, 2018. This proposed works comprise of the construction of coastal defence structures (breakwater) at Little Rockley Bay, Lowlands, Tobago. Chaired by Mr. Daniel Duncan, Vice-President, Projects and Facilities, e TecK, the meeting included the following panellists – Ms. Candice Gray-Bernard, Director, Coastal Protection Unit, Ministry of Works and Transport; Mr. Jamel Banton, Managing Director, Smith Warner International Limited; and Dr. George Sammy, Environmental Consultant.

This public meeting formed part of e TecK qualifying for a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) from the Environmental Management Authority. Consultant on the project, Smith Warner International presented to the audience the proposed works, indicated possible environmental issues and listed measures which will be taken to minimize (or, where possible, eliminate) undesirable impacts. There was a lively question and answer session where persons in the audience provided their feedback with their comments and concerns on the proposed works.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Duncan explained, “Undertaking improvement works at the beach at MGBR is in keeping with Government’s thrust to diversify the economy, presently, e TecK manages two hotel assets on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago namely Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre and Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort (MGBR) which both support the growth of the tourism sector. Improvement works at the beach at MGBR is part of the overall strategy to improve the hotel’s marketability and occupancy rates.” In closing, e TecK and the Ministry of Works and Transport gave the assurance that they would continue to collaborate with all stakeholders at the CEC and construction phases of the project.