Chag industry in slow decline

Editor: The Chag’s Dilemma article published in Business Day on August 7 is absolutely a fair assessment and is truly not news to most businesses in Chaguaramas. For varied reasons the industry has been in a slow decline for over the past three years and there seems little is being done to address the situation.

In his address at the dedication and launch of the new CrewsInn facilities several years ago by the then Prime Minister, the honorable Basdeo Panday, there was optimism about the success of the industry. At the time, it was stated that Trinidad was realising TT$120 million in foreign currency. But the optimism was nothing but “ole talk.” This industry is a “tourism” product but Tidco provides little support. For example, several oil spills caused severe damage to the visiting boats sustaining high costs for repair. After three years of litigation, a Trinidad business finally agreed to compensate the tourists for the costs of the damages without accepting responsibility for the oil spill, reimbursing a very small percentage of the claim.

Of course the sailors are long gone to receive the compensation offered. Several oil spills later, the word spreads that Trinidad really doesn’t care and “poof”...the yachties pick up their anchors to go where the industry cares more for their business! The “yachties are over-reacting” is being said but if we don’t listen to their “over reacting” then how can we intelligently develop a viable industry? If we have no effective public relations or literal damage control, then we can expect more depression. Quality, fair pricing and meeting job promises are the elements of running a business and I am afraid we are not delivering. It is only until Trinidad takes this industry seriously that it will be a success. The businesses, Tidco and the government have to understand the needs of this market and more importantly, to identify the cruisers traits and what is important to them.

Chaguaramas businessman