Caimans in paddle pool

Dilraj-Batoosingh made the revelation to illustrate the work now facing the CDA to revive several facilities in the face of a reduced budgetary allocation. Opposition Senator Khadijah Ameen expressed concern that poor upkeep of the area including overgrown grass was keeping away visitors and so costing the CDA lost revenue.

Dilraj-Batoosingh said the paddle pool has poor infrastructure and is in need of repairs. “Caimans come in to the pond and of course it’s a paddle boat (pond). We can’t have caimans in a pond with people doing paddle-boat. So that’s a challenge there. We are re-looking at what can be done in that area,” Dilraj-Batoosingh said.

Boardwalk vendors had complaint of a lack of electrical fittings for fridges and microwaves in the huts. “The ministry has spent millions and millions on the Boardwalk and are very hesitant to give more.” Dilraj-Batoosingh said a mango festival and a curry festival are possible upcoming events to try to revive the Chaguaramas Boardwalk, which has eight vacant vendors booths.

TT Tour Guide Association president Wendell Griffith told the JSC that his association used to be hired by the CDA, but for several years, he has been unable to even reach officials of the authority by phone.

Dilraj-Batoosingh said the authority uses its own customer service reps as tour guides, but is mulling an old draft MOU to revive links with the tour guide association, although she noted the CDA’s very precarious financial situation.

Labour Minister Jennifer Primus-Baptiste warned the CDA about possible legal liability in the event of a mishap involving uncertified CSRs as tour guides. Dilraj-Batoosingh said tours by the CDA earn about $5,000 to $7,000 per month, but can rise to $9,000 per month during the July/August school vacation.

“If we were to engage the Tour Guide Association the revenue would be very minimal.” She said the association’s tour fees are $60 to $100 per hour, but the number of tours had fallen. To try to boost visits, Dilraj-Batoosingh has written to schools, touting all that the CDA has to offer including the Gasparee Caves for Geography studies, plus local universities.

Ameen asked if Pier One has violated its approved land-use specification from the Town and Country Planning Department.

“Pier One’s approval was for marine type activities but you had industrial activities taking place there,” Ameen said. Dilraj-Batoosingh promised to look into the matter.