Tonge calls on stakeholders to capitalize on tourism opportunities

Robert Tonge. File photo

Tourism Minister, Senator Robert Tonge has called on stakeholders in Dominica to use the Secret Bay Residences (SBR) as a model that one can emulate.

He was speaking during a signing ceremony between the Government of Dominica and Secret Bay SBR held at Ti-Bay.

“I want all the stakeholders in Dominica to use the Secret Bay as a model that one has to emulate,” Tonge said. “And especially to the tourism stakeholders, what is different between my property and this property?” he asked. “What is different between this website and my website? What is different within the service that I provide as opposed to the other service…?”

He continued, “If you look around, it’s a beautiful view,” he said. “If you look around you will see the use of the woods that we should use. If you look around you would see that there is a very great balance between nature and the construction.”

He said the government of Dominica has put things in place to allow persons in Dominica to capitalize on these opportunities and to ensure that all stakeholders who are in the tourism business can benefit equally.

Tonge stated that his ministry is fully committed, not only to this project [The Secret Bay project], “but to all stakeholders in Dominica to provide the support that is required to move your businesses to the next level.”

The hotel will open with six villas: Zabuco I, II & III, Ylang Ylang I & II and a new, larger Ti-Fèy Villa.

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28 Comments

  1. Dominican
    February 22, 2019

    How can Dominicans like myself, who do not have to buy a passport through the CBI scheme, benefit from investing in this project?

  2. little yout
    February 21, 2019

    Here we go again, Robbie trying to make himself relevant. Out of fourteen new candidates to contest the general elections, and after moving Judas Isaac from Roseau central you still was not chosen. Robbie you have absolutely no shame, are you waiting for the prime minister to literally kick you out?

  3. Get Out!
    February 21, 2019

    Robbie, get out, get, get, get out. We doh want you no more (Jaydee voice)

  4. Investor
    February 21, 2019

    What is DIFFERENT? Some local Dominican BORN Investors who have invested in the tourism product are not allowed to be part of the “WIN WIN” CRITERIA and operate in an environment which does not allow for an “EVEN PLAYING FIELD” You are comparing apples and pears. GET REAL!

  5. Karl Orndem
    February 21, 2019

    Best you focus on what you going to do after the elections. You had them Bath Estate man campaigning hard for you, now…….

  6. Ibo France
    February 21, 2019

    How I wish that these Ministers would spur and really inspire the working population to action. This cannot be done with pedestrian oral presentation as this one. The speech lacks specificity and conviction. The tourism sector of Dominica should be the envy of the Caribbean due to its advantage of having many natural features, many more than all her OECS counterparts. Incentivize the local art and craft vendors, local eateries catering for both visitors and the local population, locally owned guest houses and medium size hotels. What I’m saying is that much more effort and resources need to be pumped into this sector to lift its present status. It’s presently performing far below its monumental potential.

  7. John Jay
    February 20, 2019

    You are a failure and that’s the reason why you was not pick to contest the next general election since taking this ministry , it has been going down and down including the PS to. This government need to move to put new blood in to bring back this ministry and state, your LOSER.

  8. indeed
    February 20, 2019

    You guys are so idiotic. the properties that have rebuilt, expanding, new properties etc etc are all involved in CBI programme……selling passports!!!!!!!!!
    Robert Tonge is the last person to talk to local hoteliers as his insurance company is YET to settle claims, and so many remain closed or in shambles post Maria.
    Please Robert T….do us all a favor and leave Tourism well alone.

  9. Pipo
    February 20, 2019

    Robby, why bother. Your irrelevance was confirmed by your leader in Londonderry last Sunday. Best you go home and relax and distance yourself from that pappy show.

  10. Self
    February 20, 2019

    Please tell that to the land lords at picard in portsmouth. You have no shame, the people of Roseau are ashamed of you. looser.

  11. Roseau
    February 20, 2019

    Tonge , a guy like you who was kicked off the boat after all the work you were doing to keep DLP a live in Roseau , you should never be in Skerro nonsense. When are you guys , like peter St. jean and Collin grow a pair?

  12. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    February 20, 2019

    You know I am one of those people who truly believe that development in a country begins from within; by that I mean the natives must first initiate industrial development, while government assists by giving  foreign investors incentives that will pull them into the country.

    It is okay for natives to get involved in building so called hotels, nevertheless simply building, buildings calling them resorts with no occupancy is a waste of time, and money. Now we hear building hotels under Citizenship By Investment Program!

    There is no definition to that than government have their clones selling Dominica passports; and the proceeds distributed among party supporters for personal benefits.  Without an International Airport in the country and promotion of the country as a tourist destination, all of the so called hotels rooms will remain empty.

    The passport money Roosevelt gives away to both foreign and local cronies, in the name of building  hotels, if he was serious that passport…

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      February 21, 2019

      No International Airport; no promotion of Dominica internationally as a tourist destination; building whatever they call them will remain empty.

      Notice, no reputable hotel chain has shown any interest in building hotels in Dominica: one should asks why? Note: Sandals is operating on actually all of the islands, from Jamaica where I believe it originates through out the entire Caribbean, except Dominica!

      Correct me if I am wrong,  uninformed, or missed informed somebody; all I am saying is this: without an International Airport the effort of building so called hotels in the country is futile, a wast of time! If Roosevelt was serious, rather than giving away the nation resources (money) he would have sunk all of the sold passport money in the building of an International Airport.

      Passengers do not disembark a tourist ship and check into a hotel for a duration of seven or eight hours.

      Food for thought! 

      • I am mine own
        February 21, 2019

        Dominica will never have the same kind of tourism money coming in (compared with the rest of CARICOM) until we have an international airport capable of sending/receiving larger planes.

        Yes, it will be expensive, but we cannot move forward without one. The future of our nation may depend on it.

  13. Not A Herd Follower
    February 20, 2019

    What are the opportunities? They are not specified in the article.

  14. Ibo France
    February 20, 2019

    Small local businesses are the engine of economic growth. Incentivize the small business sector instead of given foreign commercial entities so many tax breaks and other numerous concessions. Government should also invest more heavily in its human resources like the police, teachers, doctors and nurses, and its infrastructure, etc. The building of hotels, villas, restaurants, in my opinion, are better left for the private sector to do.

  15. LifeandDeath
    February 20, 2019

    The amount of Stay-Overs Dominica planning for now (judging from the # of hotel rooms) will only materialize when this Gov’t leaves office..btw, are all CBI projects Tourism oriented?
    And ppl please, just because a citizen asks questions don’t mean he or she is against the projects or Gov’t, we all have a responsibility to test our leaders decisions and level of foresight. In other words, what happen to comprehensive projects for other industries like Agriculture and Manufacturing? I remember the Taiwanese had started many prawn farming projects under the UWP. How are we using this CBI to ensure we don’t have to sell passports for the next 50 yrs? Or that we don’t only have to depend on Tourists to come to our shores because we have other industries producing products for exports?..Thank You Mr. Tonge for your service, farewell on your way out.

  16. Ti Garcon
    February 20, 2019

    I wonder how long Robbie go last. Next sitting of the house i bet they will replace him with Gucci Mel, and all the other senators to make way for the new Labour candidates. I mean it makes sense for the public to sample their work before elections to see if they are …..

  17. State of a Nation-that's not real
    February 20, 2019

    Tourism Minister, Senator Robert Tonge has told concerned Roseau central voters”: The Secret Bay Residences (SBR) model can only be emulated. If they are lucky to secure CBI funding. Seeing I am not running for the Roseau seat then dream on. I must add he exclaimed! I doubt Emleda Marcos stands a chance.” He went on” You’ll have to turn Blue or a Green first depending on where the chips fall.
    Am not normally a pessimist but am confident this time around it’s not going to any next level. Nowhere has a leader changed 2/3 of his candidate(more so with extremely green individuals and won.
    May God, Mao,Stalin & or the Devil help us.
    Lang, out!

  18. weh
    February 20, 2019

    What happened to that direct flight from Florida that you promised wouldn’t be an election gimmick?

  19. Iamanidiot
    February 20, 2019

    Tonge stated that his ministry is fully committed, not only to this project [The Secret Bay project], “but to all stakeholders in Dominica to provide the support that is required to move your businesses to the next level.”

    False

  20. jamie
    February 20, 2019

    Tonge you guys are null and void,use what?

  21. KIP
    February 20, 2019

    Dear Mr Tongue how tall are the step these tourism stakeholders have to climb to even knock the door far less to attempt to turn the door knob. If you are using Secret bay as a model you are either a wicked man or just deliberately ignorant about that project. Have you heard the turn “never hang your hat where your hand can’t reach” Mr Tongue, well your stakeholders hand will never grow that long not even if they use the stakes as leverage..

  22. %
    February 20, 2019

    This man Robbie, is so shameless…Robbie is it that you are just incompetent and cannot be a Parl rep,or Skerrit disrespects you all little boys? .Remember you all gave him latitude to be you all masters? I am so happy he packed you on the side for Melissa..Take that Robbie! Did you travel to Londonderry Robbie? Mr Shameless!!
    Roseau people should deliver the rejection of Melissa lock stock and barrel!!
    I am not talking tourism today!!!
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

    • February 21, 2019

      Or perhaps being a Parl rep isn’t the end-all and be-all of existence and he’s decided that he’d rather focus on his business endeavours. We can only speculate.

  23. Neville
    February 20, 2019

    What are you babbling about now? Skerrit just thrown you to the wolves. If you want to make yourself useful, tell the people of DA what the state gets in return for Gregor Nassief to capitalise from the CBI program??

  24. February 20, 2019

    How I wish we could banish the repetitive word “stakeholders” from our vocabulary.

    • Me
      February 21, 2019

      Put them to the stake Roger!

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