In order to maintain their physical assets as landlords while at the same time providing a safe and secure environment for users, government has invested TT $7.6 million to rebuild the pool and pool deck at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre.
Commenting on the expense yesterday, Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon explained, "The previous facility was 53-years-old and we had a responsibility to ensure the property was maintained and is up to a particular standard."
She added, "It is geared towards attracting persons wanting to experience a superior level of service and quality, so we had to ensure that was present in the finished product."
In a release yesterday, officials at the Ministry of Trade and Industry claimed the project was part of government's National Development Strategy - Vision 2030.
They claimed the upgrade would enable local and international visitors to enjoy an enhanced experience at the facility.
The release said, "The TT $7.6 million refurbishment project supports the Government’s National Development Strategy – Vision 2030’s aim of investing in strategic infrastructure to enhance growth and stimulate economic activity while also improving the environment."
During a tour of the new facility on Monday, Gopee-Scoon expressed satisfaction with the project which was completed on time and within budget.
She said “The work done has resulted in an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming space with technological systems employed to improve the user’s experience and safety."
"Given that the establishment is 53-years old, it is important that the Government reinvests to ensure the maintenance of international standards and increase the hotel’s value and marketability”.
Chairman, Evolving Tecknologies and Enterprise Development Company Limited (e TecK), Imtiaz Ahamad indicated the refurbishment was long overdue and was a welcomed change which would impact positively on the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre.
Darlene McDonald, Director of Marketing of the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre thanked the Ministry of Trade and Industry for the investment into the hotel’s upgraded amenity, adding that there were a number of other improvement projects in the pipeline.
The completed works included a raised Jacuzzi; an adult tanning ledge and a children’s pool, three cabanas, a water fountain with LED lights, upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing services and equipment, a new audio system; a salt water treatment system, and a new reinforced fibre concrete pool deck patterned in the form of a steel pan mural.
Gopee-Scoon said in addition to providing employment for 400 persons, the Hilton was the second largest facility of its kind in Trinidad - the likes of which was necessary in order to attract and maintain a varied clientele which would guarantee a return on government's investment in the long term.