In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainability is premised upon one simple yet powerful truth, that everything we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability goals and objectives is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.
The Trinidad and Tobago Express recently reported that our country’s Prime Minister said, “come hell or high water,” a $500 million Marriott resort will be built in at Rocky Point, Tobago, which sits directly above Mt Irvine’s world-famous point break surfing location, fragile coral reefs, and turtle nesting beaches. Despite reports that the developers for the project said they had had no formal conversation with the Tobago House Of Assembly (THA), Chief Secretary Farley Augustine announced the THA will support the proposed construction project.
The hotel project is expected to begin construction in 2023 on approximately 28 acres of land on the western side of Grafton Road and south of Pleasant Prospect. The July 2022 developers’ Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) application and master plan show they plan to remove 45 per cent of the vegetation. The project comprises 200 rooms, 28 duplex residences, 11-single family villas, and 12 fully outfitted townhouses. It is expected to provide employment for 750 people during construction and inject about $1.5 billion into the Tobago economy.
Despite the touted benefits of the project, there have been many declaring their objections and concerns regarding environmental damage. The Rocky Point Foundation (RPF), an NGO set up to fight the development and come up with an alternative and sustainable tourism plan for the rugged peninsula, believes that while a Marriott-branded hotel should be welcomed by Tobago, the location chosen at Rocky Point could prove a death knell to Mt Irvine, its waves, reefs, turtles, and vibe. The Trinidad and Tobago Green Building Council (TTGBC) has been keeping abreast of developments and stand in support of local residents, marine scientists, and interest groups that do not support unsustainable forms of tourism and development and the further destruction of our environment for the sake of profit and political gain.
The proposed actions of the developer, Superior Hotels, would contribute to the further loss of vegetation and wildlife, weaker soils and natural erosion controls, the destruction of biodiversity along the coast and within nearby coral reefs, and reduced resilience for the island to withstand rising sea levels and the likely probability of higher storm surges resulting from more frequent storms due to climate change. Nesting turtles are very likely to be adversely impacted by the loss of their grounds. Small businesses which rely on fishing and the economic activity generated by the surfing community and other international visitors are likely to be negatively impacted as well. The site is also known for its connection to the indigenous Amerindian community.
The arrogance of our country’s leadership goes against the very pillars upon which sustainability was founded – finding solutions which meet the interests of the environment, society, and economy. They continue to ignore prevailing global issues and trends, climate change, and the structural and institutional changes required to maintain a healthy and productive environment for the future well-being of all. The TTGBC issues a call for the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) to do an impartial EIA and release it for public comment. These comments must be solicited in a wholly transparent manner from all key stakeholders, including the citizens of Tobago, nearby communities, special interest groups, civil society, businesses, and the scientific community. These comments must be heard and incorporated into any decision which involves the granting of approvals to Superior Hotels for development. We further challenge the EMA and our country’s leadership to objectively demonstrate, should it go ahead, how the project will meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We issue another challenge to the project’s owners and developers to commit to and share their plans for the project being certified to the highest international green building standards, which are built upon sustainable development principles and will necessitate that they address the environmental concerns raised. Trinidad and Tobago deserve nothing less.
It is important that citizens and civil society groups remind the global business sector that their social licence is not absolute. To build a more sustainable future for all, and not just a select few, we need to take urgent and decisive actions today to protect and safeguard our environment for future generations.
Additional Reading:
