Over TT$200 million will be spent on the construction of a brand new hotel at South Park, San Fernando.
At the ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC welcomed the investment, describing the 120-room Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and Convention Centre as a major boost for jobs, economic growth, and opportunity.
The project is expected to move into construction within the next 60 days, marking what the Prime Minister called a clear shift from announcements to real delivery.
Director of Superior Hotels Limited, John Aboud, expressed confidence that the construction of the 120-room hotel will kick-start Government’s revitalisation blueprint.
“This milestone would not be possible without the active support and the decisive action by various government ministries and agencies. Our interactions have been positive, advice has been constructive, and decisions have been prompt. In particular, we wish to express our gratitude to the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, and more particularly the Town and Country Division and the Environmental Management Authority.”
Mr. Aboud assured the Prime Minister and her Government that the entire consultancy team will comprise Trinidad and Tobago nationals, which will help save foreign exchange.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said the hotel will be a remarkable structure, noting that the project represents a strengthening of partnerships between the State and private sector, with renewed investor confidence driving progress.
“Mr. Aboud outlined the key elements. Construction is expected, you said, within 60 days, and we plan to hold you to that together with your team. It is a huge investment, $220 million.”
The Prime Minister noted that hundreds of citizens will benefit during and after the construction.
“It will create approximately 400 jobs during construction, 400 jobs during construction. It doesn’t stop there. After construction, 150 jobs, permanent jobs, will be created. So, again, we thank you for that. Jobs, jobs, jobs. It goes further. This project, this investment, will support training in hospitality in that sector. It will create opportunities for farmers and small businesses to participate in the supply chain.”
Additionally, the Prime Minister said the hotel will support a wide range of economic activity, especially given its location.
“This positioning therefore allows this hotel to support a wide range of economic activity across sport, healthcare, industry, education, and business. This, therefore, is not simply a hotel. In my respectful view, it is an economic asset.”
The multi-million dollar project is expected to be completed in two years.
The Prime Minister emphasised that her administration is focused on ensuring projects are completed and deliver tangible benefits to citizens, signalling what she says is a new era of execution and accountability in national development.