Questions for the Chief Secretary and Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation

Scarborough, Tobago – January 2024 – The announcement this week of the resignation of Ms. Alicia Edwards, Chairman of the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd (TTAL), has placed the management of the island’s vital tourism industry under renewed scrutiny. Reports had previously suggested a souring relationship between the Chairman and the Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Antiquities.

Questions are now being raised as to whether this resignation was a direct consequence of an earlier move to remove her as the Executive Chairman of the Agency. These recent developments are being cited as clear signs that Tobago’s tourism sector is in disarray, lacking clear planning and direction under the current administration.

It was previously stated, including in the House of Assembly by the Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Transportation and Antiquities, that the appointment of the Chairman of the Board as Executive Chairman in 2022 was an interim arrangement while a search for a CEO was underway. In light of these developments, public questions are now being directed to the Chief Secretary and the Secretary with responsibility for the Division.

Specific questions being posed include:

• Whether there is any truth to claims that Tobago’s image has reached an all-time low in Germany within the travel trade, and particularly with the main airline serving that market, potentially jeopardizing future service.
• Whether there is any truth to suggestions that the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd, under the current Board of Directors and Secretary of Tourism, has overspent its entire budget by $15 million. Concerns are also being raised about the alleged utilization of funds specifically allocated for the Tourism Accommodation Upgrade Program (TAUP) and the Tourism Accommodation Relief Grant (TARG) for other purposes, despite their clear intention for tourism stakeholders’ relief. Questions are being asked about the alternative uses of these funds and who approved such diversions.
• Whether the Board of Directors experienced significant internal issues under Ms. Alicia Edwards’ leadership.
• Why three top-level management officials – the CEO, the Head of Product Development, and the Head of Marketing – have left the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd over the past 18 months.

These pressing questions and the recent resignation of the Chairman indicate underlying issues, suggesting the Tourism sector remains without clear guidance under the current administration.