00:00Hilton International says it may not be able to continue operating the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre beyond September 18th
00:09unless a new long-term lease agreement is reached with government.
00:13The hotel employs more than 250 people.
00:18But economist Dr. Jamelia Harris says the public should remember that the Hilton brand is not leaving Trinidad and Tobago
00:26altogether.
00:27Harris points out that earlier this year, there was a sod-turning for the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and Convention
00:35Centre in San Fernando, and plans were also announced earlier this year for other Hilton partnerships.
00:42Still, Harris says the announcement creates significant uncertainty for workers as it comes on the heels of the Central Statistical
00:51Office's CSO's report of 6,000 jobs being lost between December 2025 and March 2026, and reports earlier this year
01:02of several business closures.
01:04Harris notes that there is also uncertainty over who would ultimately be responsible for employees if no agreement is reached,
01:14while suppliers and the wider tourism sector could also feel the impact, particularly during the carnival season.
01:21She adds that negotiations have dragged on for years, with the original 2003 lease expiring in 2023, before being extended,
01:31saying the prolonged discussions do little to improve Trinidad and Tobago's ease of doing business.
01:37Meanwhile, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries, Diane Joseph, describes the situation as a critical moment
01:47for the country's hospitality sector, but expressed optimism that an agreement can still be reached before the deadline.
01:54She says, quote, it provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate that the state and global brands can successfully navigate complex
02:04negotiations.
02:05By modernizing this lease agreement, E-Tech and Hilton can create a stronger blueprint for the ease of doing business,
02:13ensuring that local business suppliers and contractors within the service value chain benefit from a more sustainable long-term partnership,
02:22end quote.
02:23As for workers, Joseph notes that E-Tech is legally required to assume employment obligations when the lease expires, providing
02:32a level of protection while negotiations continue.
02:36Vishana Pagu, TV6 News.
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