Newly appointed Minister for Tourism and Urban Renewal, Senator Robert Tonge, says he is bringing a new management style based on objectives to that ministry.
“I’m into results and in a company the longer you take to make changes, the worst it’s going to be,” he said. “So I would like to bring that new management style whereby we are going to be moving forward based on objectives and measuring those objectives on a regular basis.”
Tonge, who was the General Manager of the Tonge Group of Companies, said he is a result-oriented person.
“We will make decisions; the decision may be right today and may be wrong tomorrow, however, we will quickly make those changes so that we can execute and meet the targets that we have. So it’s going to be target driven, objective driven,” he said in giving a preview on how he intends to run his ministry.
Tonge said it feels great to hold the “honorable position” of senator.
“It feels great to be in this position. It’s an honorable position, so I feel elated that I was elected to represent the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal,” he stated, adding that he is particularly happy about the Urban Renewal portfolio since it is something that he is passionate about.
He wants to see a green, clean and accessible capital city of Roseau.
“So it is my pleasure to be part of the team to move that forward to make Roseau, Portsmouth and other areas something that we can be proud of,” he stated.
The businessman noted that the decision to take on the new challenge of being a minister was an easy one because of a “proper continuity plan” in the Tonge Group of Companies and support from family.
“You must have great support,” Tonge stated. “I have had a great support and so far the support has been overwhelmingly positive and what I can say to people is to judge me based on what I do and how I conduct myself.”
When questioned about his future in politics, Tonge stated that “anything is possible.”
“And if you know me, I always shoot for the stars and I dream big,” he noted. “One day I even want to be the president and normally everything I dream about and plan for, I achieve.”
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I’m so sorry, but I do not understand why you are in the position that you are now. I am of the belief that if you want to serve, join the ring. Why is it right that Ivor had to go through the grind for you to sit well pretty and talk about development. Not at all right. You need to take a seat…..no several seats. And I mean no disrespect.
Time will tell if your clever ideas will be implemented. I suspect your leader will whistle you back very quickly like a little puppy dog. You would have been well advised to keep running what you already have, but I suspect the promise of a lot of loot was to difficult to resist. Furthermore, in general I have a problem with unelected members of parliament and government. If you are really interested in the wellbeing of this country and it’s citizens stand up and be counted and show your ‘colour’ before a general election and see if it is the peoples wish for you to be in government. Having said that, its easier doing it this way because you could always say I’ve just been offered a job and it has nothing to do with were I sit politically. In other words, keep all options open for the future. SHAME ON YOU ALL!
Senator Tonge was the CEO of the Tonge Group not the GM. Congratulations Sen. Tonge, a refreshing outlook on things to come, knowing that, as you said, once you put your mind to it, you always do achieve it. all the best – great things ahead
disgruntled UWP losers does make ignorant comments even when what is done is best for the country.
If you were really in it for country you would do it on a dollar salary (pro bono). Otherwise, for me, you are in there for your own personal benefits.
I hope you can prove me wrong. Time my brother.
You have dreams of being in politics but you fraid to ask people to vote for you ?
Get Real Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since government itself is a business organization among other things, and for the most part it entails decision making, sound fiscal policy, vision and analysis, it makes good sense to have the likes of Mr. Tonge in the most lucrative ministry. His perspective of what is needed, his ‘result– oriented’ philosophy as a businessman, and to no lesser extent his demeanor makes the right pick for the spot. That is more than I can say for the empty suits in the cabinet and the nut on the table.
Positive vibes good luck
We are looking forward to knowing what are the short, medium and long term objectives so we can assess as you go along.
Brother am very impress with your committed style, young and moving . You are a worker come from a humble beging ,great and respected family and from the make up of both side. God bless and guide you as you perform your task to transform Dominica .
Good move senator Tonge. You have now put your staff on notice. Foot dragging will not be tolerated. Slackness will finally be on its way out. You sir, are a businessman, and you are bringing solid work ethics to your ministry. Results oriented? I love that. Long past overdue. Good luck and god’s blessings be upon you. Do it without fear or favour, affection or ill will. Do it for Dominica’s sake. Lead and others will follow. .
“It feels great to be in this position. It’s an honorable position, so I feel elated that I was elected to represent the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal,”
CORRECTION: ‘Selected’ NOT Elected. But, I like your business-like approacxh.
Parry, I would ask the Prime Minister whether his dislike for business men in politics has changed. After the UWP was formed, he heavily criticized Edison, Timothy and Prevost for getting into politics. In fact, he said, the only reasons they were getting into politics were because he believes they had a financial agenda. Today, he has a business man rooted in the bowels of his cabinet. Is he flip flopping again.
Get to work my Bro. All the best.
Be careful, Robert! Watch where you intend to step! Some folks at the Min of Tourism and the DDA must be laughing or saying “stupes!” Some may be saying, “What he thinks nuh? We are not dimwits nuh. We already manage by objectives. We’ve been doing so for ages. Where has this guy been?”
“We will make decisions; the decision may be right today and may be wrong tomorrow, however, we will quickly make those changes so that we can execute and meet the targets that we have. So it’s going to be target driven, objective driven,” he said in giving a preview on how he intends to run his ministry.
When questioned about his future in politics, Tonge stated that “anything is possible.”
Ta right! You must be thinking dad’s business U inherited is Tourism. Ivor thought so too he oly fixed the family aspect of Tourism. Tonge I know ur dad not you.
Everyone needs to buy insurance and meats in Tourism things are out of ur control this is not dad’sbz-ness
Cuba is en-route to opening up I wish you good luck.
“And if you know me, I always shoot for the stars and I dream big,” he noted. “One day I even want to be the president and normally everything I dream about and plan for, I achieve.” With da
s foundation not urs.
Good Luck dreamer. When Cuba’s Tourism opens it big mouth .figuratively speaking it’s gonna engulph everything out od the worlds curiosity bro! The rest of the Caribbean will wonder which way is up in Tourism.
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I am not sure Skeritt will love your management stile. He appeared to have a problem with business men. If you don’t believe me, maybe, you should have a talk with Norris Prevost, Timothy when he was a member of the UWP and Edison James.
why would Skerrit put someone in that position if he did not have the confidence in him/her. would you put someone in a key position if they are not reading from the same hymn sheet as you.
Skerrit is empowering this young man (and the rest of the ‘National Cabinet), by entrusting him with the responsibility.
That is the trait of a good Manager/Leader, not a dictator. The same applies to the process that lead to Mr. Jones’ sacking in the ‘Crab Back’ story.
Jump up and down as much as you all want. The rules and laws are there. Follow them. See you in court FOOL.
If you have nothing to say that makes sense, please just shut up. Don’t need to comment just to prove how foolish who you really are.
Yes Robbie i know you can achieve it!!…Great Stuff
When are these new Ministers going to stop the talking and get on with the business of running their ministries?
When will Linton stop talkin, declare his assets and get sworn in so he can begin his job (finally got a job yay him ) as the opposition leader?
Way to go Cuz,we in Roseau Central are behind you.You have our full support from the rest of the family.God speed!
I’ m happy he mentioned Portsmouth
Tonge: ” I feel elated that I was elected to represent the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal”
Robert, I think you mis-spoke here. You were not elected, you were SELECTED for that position.
What a refreshing new approach to being a Minister of Government! Congratulations Robbie.
Cyril! Good to hear something from you. I trust you are doing fine.
Congrats. Sounding good so far!! Keep up the enthusiasm.
You are so right, sounding! lol
Read Marcus Hill’s comment.
Marcus : Greens Lane passe’