00:00Before turning the sword for the new hotel to be constructed in South Park, Prime Minister Kamala Pasad-Bassassar made
00:06reference to the cost of the project in TT Dollars under the privately owned Superior Hotels TT Limited.
00:14$220 million. What will this mean with this investment here at Hilton Garden in Bram?
00:20Mr. John Abboud noted that under this government, engagement was timely, decisions were taken, and investors were given confidence.
00:34That tells us something very important because investment is moving, projects are progressing, and the partnership between the state and
00:42the private sector is working. This is very important.
00:45And in that regard, the Prime Minister spoke about something else that she said was not originally in her speech.
00:52There is a project to build many houses through the HTC, and under review by the OPR, we take the
00:59guidance to make sure that gets done $3.4 billion.
01:03But I want you to know it is not government money. It is not your taxpayers' dollars will be spent.
01:09It is very important to note that that model is a public-private partnership.
01:14So, private sector. The money will not come from the taxpayers' pockets, but will come from the private sector.
01:22The government recently said it is in active conversations with the Hilton brand, following media reports that Hilton was considering
01:29removing its brand from the state-owned property in Port of Spain over much-needed maintenance that has not been
01:35carried out by the state.
01:36Superior Hotel's director, John Abood, spoke about the Hilton Garden Hotel to be built at South Park in the context
01:43of the government's plan, which involves 129 large projects.
01:49We are confident that this project will kick off the Prime Minister's revitalization program, particularly in South Trinidad.
01:59Prime Minister Prasad-Basessa spoke about one of the anticipated benefits from the hotel project at South Park, and she
02:06made an apparent reference to criticism made by the opposition about the issue of job creation.
02:12Everywhere we go, we know it's about jobs, and we are working assiduously to create sustainable jobs.
02:17We are not just talking about five days or ten days. We are working towards sustainable jobs.
02:22And when you make these transitions, there's some pain at the start, but at the end of it, in the
02:28fullness of time, there is much to be gained.
02:31So, it will create approximately 400 jobs during construction. 400 jobs during construction. It doesn't stop there.
02:42After construction, 150 jobs, permanent jobs, will be created.
02:49Mr. Abood said construction of the proposed 120-room Hilton Garden Inn with a convention center is due to begin
02:56in the next 60 days.
02:58Construction team, I hope you're hearing this. Just under two years to complete.
03:03So, God willing, Madam Prime Minister, on this project, on or about April 28th, 2028, we will be honored to
03:15have you cutting the ribbon to open our hotel.
03:20April 28th marks the date that the UN CNS Coalition of Interests, led by Prime Minister Prasad-Basasa, won the
03:262025 general election.
03:28And at the start turning on April 22nd...
03:31Please permit me to wish our dear Prime Minister a very happy birthday.
03:40I want to thank all those of you who have sent me your blessings for today and the days ahead.
03:45I thank you, I thank all who made this possible, and above all, I thank God for his merciful, wondrous
03:54blessings, and for giving me continued strength to serve my beloved country.
04:00Prime Minister Prasad-Basasa set to mark her first year of her second term as Prime Minister next week on
04:07April 28th.
04:09Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:15Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:15Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
