Tourism Development Corporation 30th Anniversary 1987 2017 by Nation Publishing Co. Limited

MAY 21, 2017

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Stories by GERCINE CARTER

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Much achieved, still more will be done

TREMENDOUS STRIDES in Barbados’ tourism development have been made with the assistance of Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) funding, and chairman of the private sector body Martin Ince says so much more could be done with larger membership and increased contributions. This is why he continues to push for Government’s reinstatement of the 150 per cent tax incentive it originally gave to businesses putting money into the TDC fund, so that more businesses would be encouraged to contribute funding today. “I really would like to see the Government assist us with reinstating the incentive,” said Ince; “That is the quantum leap that we need. The more funds our private sector members put in, the more pressure we can take off the funding required from the Government through the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.,” Ince said. “It is one of my passions to ensure that Barbados continues to move forward in the right direction.” The TDC is critically important to Barbados, the chairman advised, as he highlighted a performance to date that has seen funding of marketing initiatives and projects that are improving the Barbados tourism product. Over the 30 years of the TDC’s existence many of Barbados’ iconic landmarks and attractions have been restored or rebuilt with funds from the private sector body. Ince said: “We do a lot of co-funding with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, the Barbados Tourism Product Authority and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association. We survive on our members’ contribution, so if we are doing a very good job and our members can see that, they will continue to contribute.” According to the chairman, 93 per cent of the funds coming into the TDC are spent funding projects, with the minimum amount going to the operational expenses of running the corporation. Ince, who assumed the chairmanship just about a year and a half ago, has been associated with the TDC for about 22 years, but has been more involved in the organisation during the last 15. “It is one of my passions to ensure that Barbados continues to move forward in the right direction,” said the businessman

More private sector support welcome MAUREEN DAVIS vividly remembers witnessing (Sir) Geoffrey Cave’s initial excitement over the prospects of forming the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) as a vehicle to provide much needed support to the industry. It was 1987 while she was working for Cave Shepherd and Co. Ltd as display manager and she recalls: “Mr Cave asked me whether I would assist by taking on the administrative role.” She accepted and performed that role until the post for a fulltime executive officer was created. The young Davis managed the funds coming into the TDC, attended meetings, recorded minutes and was generally the go-to person looking after the day to day TDC affairs – all voluntarily like all the rest of business people who from the outset

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MAUREEN DAVIS

(GP)

gave freely of their services to the private sector organisation and continue to do so. After stepping away from the corporation for a while, she was among the group of young people Barbados Light and Power executive and TDC’s Product Development Committee Chairman, Frank McConney, later brought together to brainstorm on product development ideas. This was a new area for the TDC as funding in the early

who heads one of the island’s leading private tourism-related companies. “We are playing our little part in building the brand Barbados, so many of the things that I think that we as Barbadians take for granted have been funded, restored or reworked by the TDC,” Ince said. The iconic Clock Tower at the Garrison, portions of the George Washington House and the tunnels, Morgan Lewis

MARTIN INCE

(FP)

Mil, Gun Hill Signal Station, the Hastings Rocks and Esplanade bandstands, the look out area at Cherry Tree Hill all stand out as evidence of how TDC funding has served to enhance Barbados’ historic landscape. And there is still more that will be done. “It is always going to be what we are doing next,” the chairman said, adding: “We need to ensure when a visitor comes we have world class standards because we are a world class destination.” (GC)

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Corporation’s input still very critical ONE OF THE ONLY surviving founders of the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), Sir Geoffrey Cave, believes the body is needed as much today as when it was

originally formed. “It has met its challenges. In the early days it was useful because the country was in a state of not so great a time, so it helped boost the tourism

efforts,” Sir Geoffrey said, but he added: “I would say today it probably is more needed than ever.” When Sir Geoffrey and fellow businessmen the

Driven by sense of purpose • From Page 2C. years had been directed almost exclusively to overseas marketing and promotion. Davis would later chair this committee and she also sits on the TDC’s board of directors representing the Cave Shepherd Group of companies. Still brimming with enthusiasm over the achievements of the TDC after three decades of its operation, Davis said: “The highlight for me back then and continues to be, a sense of purpose and pride in the work of the TDC. The funds are voluntary, as is everyone’s time so there is a sense of goodwill and a sense of productivity in terms of how much can be achieved with limited funds when we work collectively.” The broad spectrum of projects the TDC has managed to support with the donated funds – heritage, overseas marketing and promotion, sports tourism, beautification, environmental – is a factor that brings her heightened satisfaction that she is indeed making a meaningful contribution. “I think our ability to work with the Barbados Tourism Product Authority, Barbados

Tourism Marketing Inc, the Ministry of Tourism and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association just shows what can be done when public and private sector groups come together with the same mandate and the same passion.” There are no egos around the table in the TDC’s boardroom, Davis asserts. “We who sit around the table represent companies that are contributing; we believe in Barbados and we all come to the table with a passion and a love for country – we simply want to ensure that the funds are efficiently spent and that our mandate is being met.” Davis would like to see the TDC attracting more members because she believes there is so much that can be done by the corporation which as she says does not have the red tape for the execution of funding that another organisations may have. “I would really like to see more of the private sector recognise the importance of tourism and the part that it plays indirectly in their own organisations and in Barbados as a whole,” Davis said. She maintains that there is a role for the private sector to play in Barbados’ tourism “for a long time to come.” (GC)

late (Sir) Douglas Lynch of Barbados Shipping and Trading and (Sir) John Stanley Goddard of Goddard Enterprises came up with the idea to form a private sector grouping that would provide funding to boost the tourism sector, the organisation that resulted was only intended to run for three years. As Sir Geoffrey explained: “It was intended only as a three-year effort and the companies which subscribed got a special rate of tax on their gift. They were able to write off 150 per cent of their donations to the TDC towards their tax, so it had its impact.” Barbados was going through tough economic times then and “the only thing that could have saved Barbados at that time was tourism” observed Sir Geoffrey, who has since stepped aside from an active role in today’s operations of the TDC. He said: “The TDC was an effort to try to encourage people who were not necessarily in the tourist industry to subscribe to the tourist industry” and the focus was on big businesses such as Barbados Shipping and

Trading and the Barbados Light and Power Company. “Those were some of the large corporations at the time and the idea was if we were able to get the private sector to subscribe a percentage of their profits towards such a mission, what would it do to increase marketing funds to promote Barbados and ultimately increase visitor arrival numbers to Barbados in terms of helping charters to come and helping different things to happen,” Sir Geoffrey said. “Many companies subscribed and our budget ran nicely,” he added. The TDC was therefore able to provide funds to give Barbados’ tourism and by extension the economy, the boost the island so desperately needed. Sir Geoffrey recalled one of the early projects to which the TDC subscribed was the bringing of the British Concorde to Barbados, after being convinced by the man behind that enterprise it would raise Barbados’ profile. It certainly proved to be part of the catalyst that stimulated increased travel from Britain and opened up new avenues of tourism development in

SIR GEOFFREY CAVE. Barbados. Sir Geoffrey said the TDC worked with the island’s main tourism agencies in those early days to achieve its mission and he was happy both Barbados and the business people who bought into the idea and supported it with their funds were winners. “The TDC played its role in getting people who previously were not focused on tourism to focus on tourism. But they were beneficiaries as well,” said Sir Geoffrey who was gratified that what was intended to be a three-year project at the outset, is still functioning effectively three decades later. (GC)

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MARTIN INCE

(GP)

MARK THOMPSON

MAUREEN DAVIS

MICHAEL ARMSTRONG

DIRECTORS

JON MARTINEAU

Martin Ince – Chairman – Foster & Ince Mark Thompson – The Mark Thompson Group Maureen Davis – Cave Shepherd / Colombian Emeralds Michael Armstrong – Massy Barbados Group Bernie Weatherhead – Sun Group Inc. Desmond Layne – Goddard Enterprises Ltd. Rohan Seale – Barbados Light and Power Co. Ltd. Jon Martineau – Tourism Consultant Patrick McCaskie – Ministry of Finance Representative Rudy Grant – Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association Representative Natalie Springer – Executive Officer

PROJECT ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

PATRICK MCCASKIE

Mark Thompson – Chair – The Mark Thompson Group Maureen Davis – Cave Shepherd/Colombian Emeralds Int’l Geoffrey Roach – Bridgetown Cruise Terminals Inc. Debbie Stoute – Republic Bank Michael Edwards – Carter & Co Ltd.

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BERNIE WEATHERHEAD

DESMOND LAYNE

Johnathon Hart – Automotive Art International Inc. Christopher Parravicino – Realtors Ltd. Jon Martineau – Tourism Consultant Kavita Sandiford – Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association Representative Nicole Alleyne – Ministry of Tourism Representative Dr. Kerry Hall – Barbados Tourism Product Authority William “Billy’ Griffith – Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. Natalie Springer – Executive Officer PAST EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Maureen Davis Julie Weatherhead AnneMarie McConney Debbie Stoute Lisa-Ann Arthur Natalie de Caires Dawn Franklin Natalie Springer: Current Executive Officer

ROHAN SEALE

RUDY GRANT

FORMER CHAIRMEN

Sir John Stanley Goddard Sir Douglas Lynch Ralph Taylor John Bellamy Sir Allan Fields Tony King

NATALIE SPRINGER

MAY 21, 2017

Continued support for WTM WORLD TRAVEL MARKET (WTM) is considered the largest and most significant tourism promotional event for tourism partners THE BARBADOS display booth at and stakeholders last year’s World Travel Market. worldwide. Usually (GP) held in London each year, WTM is attended by thousands of buyers and suppliers in the tourism industry. In fact, tourism entities that are responsible for marketing and promoting their various countries usually make a “big splash” of pushing their respective destinations on the world stage. The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) goes all out to market the island and usually has a “significant” booth to host potential partners, new clients, alliances and support hoteliers who also attend WTM to market and promote their properties and the island. Recognising the importance of this event to Barbados’ overall tourism industry, the TDC continues to give annual financial support to this all important event. In addition, the TDC will continue to direct a substantial level of funding support each year towards promotional campaigns that raise awareness about Barbados in major markets and keep the island top-of-mind for potential travelers thinking of planning their next vacation. The TDC, in association with the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association and BTMI, will continue to support key tourism partners in executing their major annual promotional activities specially the Incentive Travel Meetings and Events Exhibition (IMEX) and WTM. (CH)

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American Airlines catalyst behind TDC

Stories by CHERYL HAREWOOD

FEW people are aware that the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) was birthed at a time when the Government of the day was looking for assistance to maintain the American Airlines service to Barbados. This service was proving difficult to sustain and some concern among tourism stakeholders. Three businessmen, Sir Douglas Lynch (Barbados Shipping & Trading), Geoffrey Cave (now Sir Geoffrey Cave) (Cave Shepherd), and John Stanley Goddard (later Sir John Stanley Goddard) of Goddard Enterprises) came together

with a mechanism that the private sector could contribute to a tourism fund in exchange for a 150 per cent tax rebate. Sir Douglas, Sir Geoffrey and Sir John gave $1 million each, making it the first time that the TDC was supporting the tourism sector through the provision of funding. In short, this became the catalyst for the formation of the TDC. These gentlemen encouraged other companies to contribute to the TDC fund and forward thinking organisations that readily participated included the Brydens Group, the Barbados Light & Power Company Limited, Cable & Wireless, Banks Breweries, and

BICO Limited among many other companies. It is worthy to note that back in the 1980s $3million was quite a lot of money. This injection of funds helped to support the tourism industry during difficult times, and what was a short-term measure became a long-term commitment of 30 years to the development of the tourism sector in Barbados. It was the genesis of the TDC, which became a mechanism for indirect entities that saw tourism as the lifeblood of Barbados to get involved with lending financial assistance to tourism related entities.

TDC supports IMEX OVER THE PAST four years the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) has partnered with the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) to promote Barbados at the annual Incentive Travel Meetings and Events Exhibition (IMEX) usually held in the United States. This BHTA initiative attracts

hotels across the island which, seek to promote meetings, weddings and conferences, as well as other entities which partner with various hotels. The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) also plays a key role in helping to fund travel for BHTA members to attend this event and help to market the island overseas. (CH)

THE BARBADOS BOOTH at the World Travel Market in 2016. (GP)

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MAY 21, 2017

Bringing football to the level of masters

by CHERYL HAREWOOD SPORTS TOURISM CONTINUES to receive the largest percentage of the Tourism Development Corporation’s (TDC’s) financial support. Last year 34 per cent, or one-third of funding allocations were directed to sports activities which included hockey, darts, running, triathlon, swimming and rugby events. The TDC has been instrumental in the growth and development of many key sporting events on the Barbados calendar.

THE Barbados International Masters Football Festival has expanded over the years thanks to the TDC. (GPs) According to Chairman Martin Ince, some examples of these events include the Sol Rally Barbados, Run Barbados, Barbados Open Water Swim, a variety of cricket events, the Barbados Hockey Festival, Rugby Barbados World 7s and Masters Football. Many of these events have attracted large numbers of visitors whilst obtaining world class standards and global exposure which in turn helps to promote the Barbados brand. Director and chairman of the Project Assessment Committee Mark Thompson

reservations@harrisoncave.com

said: “It is clear from this level of support that the TDC well recognises the immense potential that sports tourism holds for Barbados, as sports enthusiasts from around the world continue to demonstrate that they are keen to combine their vacation time, discretionary spending and sporting passions.” He added: “The TDC’s objective when we support sports tourism is generally to increase the number of people that travel to Barbados for the event. “In cases of first time projects the TDC may see fit to support some aspect of the

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event execution itself so as to help ensure that the event gets off the ground and has a fighting chance at becoming self-sustaining over time.”

THERE ARE NUMEROUS football lovers across the length and breadth of Barbados, and this sport has a way of drawing crowds. The Barbados International Masters Football Festival is a perfect example of the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) getting involved in a project and working its way out. ‘This event which was first played at Wanderers playing field, Dayrells Road, St Michael, is now being played on six fields and is currently self-sustainable. The TDC saw the potential of this event and entered into discussion with its hosts who included Paul Wright and Adrian Donavan. In the early days George Lascaris was also involved in the Barbados International Masters Football Festival. “Basically we decided to hold discussions. We saw an opportunity to expand this football festival. We pushed for it and they (the hosts) came around. This event now stands on its own. We were involved for longer than five years but now they get the necessary sponsorship support, “Thompson disclosed. The Barbados International Masters Football Festival involves team from the Caribbean, Great Britain and the United States. (CH)

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AN INJECTION OF BDS $350 000 has gone into Sol Rally Barbados over a number of years. The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) has supported Sol in flying in the camera crew that films the rally and puts it out there on social media and television, thereby promoting the event and the island. Each year Sol Rally Barbados attracts thousands of people from a spectators standpoint, while the worldwide viewership is in the millions. This event has had people participating at the world level and those at that level come to Barbados to support the rally which is held in June. The TDC is now trying to change focus, more specifically targetting people to come to Barbados to participate and view this event.

THANKS TO THE Tourism Development Corporation Sol Rally Barbados, and by extension Barbados is guaranteed attention at the world level. (GPs)

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY SEVENS is another project which benefits from the support of the TDC. (GPs)

Rugby in the mix too

THE International Rugby Sevens event had been taking place in Tobago for over 20 years. Its hosts were seeking a new venue and Barbados along with Jamaica put in a bid. Barbados won the bid with a guarantee of three years – 2016-2018 to host Rugby Barbados World Sevens which was first held here in December 2016. “It is a good event,” explained Mark Thompson, director and chairperson of the Tourism Development Corporation’s (TDC), Project Assessment Committee. “There are regional teams including teams from the United Kingdom who came to participate. It attracted over 500 people and we considered it a good number for an event of this nature. “We have put in a fair amount of money to promote it and to get it off the ground. Always the TDC’s plan is not to continuously support events. We put in some seed money to make it sustainable over three years and then we are out. If we are approached at the end of three years with a new strategy to grow further, we consider and probably support the event for much longer,” Thompson added.

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Timely restoration at Clock Tower

Saving our sea turtles

ACCORDING TO the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), heritage tourism remains an untapped niche for Barbados even though much of the information and artifacts that highlight the island’s rich history have been well preserved over the years. The TDC therefore supports projects that seek to revitalise Barbados’ heritage product in an effort to provide a platform from which tourism stakeholders can better exploit the available opportunities in this niche market. Funding has been provided to several initiatives in an effort to further develop the Garrison Historic Area as a sustainable heritage tourism site. In recent years the TDC has sponsored the restoration of the

BARBADOS is currently home to the second largest hawksbill turtle nesting population in the wider Caribbean with up to 500 females nesting per year during the mating season. Turtle nesting occurs on most of the beaches around the island, many of which are heavily developed with tourism infrastructure. However, unfortunate events necessitated that security services be acquired during the nesting season for the project workers. The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) was pleased to support this requirement. The Sea Turtle Project is a research project headed by Bellairs Research Institute, Canada’s only teaching and research facility in the tropics. Bellairs Research Institute is a McGill University facility which maintains an opendoor policy to researchers

Main Guard Clock Tower, as well as the development of a National Armouries Museum at St. Ann’s Fort. The TDC has also assisted the Barbados Museum in their redevelopment efforts by sponsoring the refurbishment of the onsite gift shop, which has become the new main entrance and exit of the museum, with a greatly expanded product line displayed within related mini-exhibits. In addition, the TDC has funded development at the George Washington House with the funding of the renovation of the stables building as well as in more recent years the creation of the new ‘Tunnels’ experience.

THE RESTORED Clock Tower at the Main Guard.(GP)

THE BREATHTAKING VIEW fron the extended deck at the Gun Hill Signal Station. (GP)

Gun Hill sending right signal GUN HILL SIGNAL STATION in St George continues to provide magnificent and captivating panoramic views of the entire island. You can be greeted by beautifully landscaped gardens with tropical flowers of every colour and the signal station beckons you up the winding path, past historic lamps and tempting garden benches. At the foot of the signal station is the magnificent lion statue which was carved out of a single piece of rock in 1868 by an officer at the signal station. When you visit this tourist attraction you must take your hat off to the meticulous refurbishment and clean surroundings – thanks of course to the $ 200 000 which was spent by the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) to restore and refurbish the facility. This property had reached a point where it was not attracting cruise ships or locals. Three years ago the

Barbados National Trust approached the TDC with a revival plan which witnessed the TDC restoring the pathway, accessibility, the entertainment area around the signal station and expanding the facility with a deck to make it more attractive to persons desirous of renting the area for events. TDC also upgraded the landscaping and eating facilities. A decision was taken to terrace out some areas for further rental use. Today, Gun Hill is used quite often for weddings and other social events and has been doing well as a tourist attraction. The Barbados National Trust also entered into a relationship with someone to run the eating facility. While the TDC looks at ways to “put heads in beds” within the industry, the Gun Hill Refurbishment Project is said to be a good example of improving the island’s tourism product offer.

Keeping the mill going LISTED AS ONE of “Seven Wonders of Barbados”, the Morgan Lewis Windmill is located in St Andrew overlooking the eastern coastline of the island and the lush Scotland District. it is a national treasure and for that reason alone the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) felt obligated to refurbish this tourist attraction. Funds were used to clean up the surroundings and to terrace out the area so anyone visiting can do so safely. Bathroom facilities were also added to the mill as well as developmental work to protect its structural integrity. It is widely recognised that without the funding of the TDC the future of this Morgan Lewis Mill would be in question. It is one of the only two intact and restored sugar mills in the Caribbean. The other being Betty’s Hope Estate in Antigua. Maintained by the Barbados National Trust, the mill includes an exhibit of the equipment used to produce sugar at the time when the industry was run by wind power generated from mills such as this one.

VISITORS waiting to enter the historic Morgan Lewis Windmill to take part in a tour. (FP)

TWO BUCKETS filled with new hawksbill hatchlings. (FP) with academic interests in tropical terrestrial and marine environments. The project involves making sure the turtles do not find themselves on land. The

bigger story surrounding this project is how invaluable and well known it is for students coming from overseas to get involved in this renowned and well respected project.

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Timely restoration at Clock Tower

Saving our sea turtles

THE RESTORED Clock Tower at the Main Guard.(GP)

THE BREATHTAKING VIEW fron the extended deck at the Gun Hill Signal Station. (GP)

VISITORS waiting to enter the historic Morgan Lewis Windmill to take part in a tour. (FP)

bigger story surrounding this project is how invaluable and well known it is for students coming from overseas to get involved in this renowned and well respected project.

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A VASTLY IMPROVED bathroom facility at Worthing Beach. At left, the sink area before the upgrade. Similar upgrades were done at St John’s Parish Church and Bathsheba. Work at Accra begins next week. (GP)

FROM LEFT, Martin Ince – Chairman TDC, Reverend Canon Dr Geoffrey Mayers and the Reverend R. Roosevelt from St John’s Parish Church and Mark Thompson, Chair of the Project Assessment Committee. (GP)

PROVIDING PROPER BATHROOMS for sea bathers is highly necessary. In November last year the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) provided funding to the tune of over BDS$ 250 000 to install and refurbish bathroom facilities at St John’s Anglican Church, St John; Bathsheba, St Joseph, and Worthing and Accra bathrooms, Christ Church. On recognising that bathrooms at key tourist attractions/ facilities were in poor condition, the TDC approached the National Conservation Commission and requested a list of bathrooms that required work. Construction at St John’s Anglican Church, Bathsheba and Worthing is already completed, while work on Accra will commence next week. The project involved providing male, female bathrooms and changing rooms at each facility. Exterior painting was undertaken at Bathsheba and Worthing and will also be carried out at Accra.

BATHROOM FACIITIES UPGRADE at the Worthing Beach include accommodation for persons with disabilities. (GP)

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BROAD STREET, Bridgetown.

Lighting up The City WHEN YOU WALK along Broad Street, The City, and see it well lit, the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) must be congratulated for assisting with this project which was carried out in collaboration with the Barbados Tourism Investment Inc. some years ago. Plans are currently to refurbish the lights, further upgrade the garbage bins and reinstall the potted palms.

INSTALLATION OF LIGHTS in Bridgetown.

(GP)

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BEACH AT CORAL REEF, Porters, St James, before restoration. WITH its mesmerising, alluring beaches and upscale properties the island’s scenic and beautiful West Coast is the rich and famous’ idea of a perfect vacation getaway. This alone is reason enough why the upkeep of this “gold coast” as it is popularly called, is vital to our country’s overall tourism product. In 2008 the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) was proud to report on the interim success of the

West Coast Beach and Reef Restoration Project – an important environmental initiative to which the TDC committed funding support in the previous financial year. The project sought to redress the erosion that took place on a section of beach along the coast from the southern end of Villas on the Bay to the northern end of Heron Bay. The TDC had previously provided funding for a coastal engineering study to

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determine feasible solutions to the rapid erosion; as well as to assist with the physical model testing of the immediate and long-term solutions recommended for implementation by the study. Subsequently, several groynes were placed at specific locations in the area as part of an initial implementation phase. Interim results have been highly successful as the condition of the affected beaches has greatly improved.

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West coast reef restoration The project however is ongoing and will see the implementation of the final

solution over the next few years to ensure long-term sustainability.

BEACH AT CORAL REEF, Porters, St James after the restoration. (GP)

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Beautifying our highways and by-ways WHEN YOU TRAVEL along the ABC Highway you’ll notice a beautiful array of palm trees standing erect as you make your way from the airport down to the Spring Garden Highway. Cognisant of the fact that our roads and highways need to be beautified and reforested, the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) jumped at the opportunity to assist Barney Gibbs and the Future Centre Trust (FCT) to line the highways with these palms. This tree planting initiative, which started over ten years ago, is another example of product development being carried out by the TDC. Funds have been approved to complete the entire highway and the TDC in collaboration with the FCT, is looking at beautifying Highway 2A at a later date. The TDC has funded the planting of close to 75 per cent of all of the trees planted along the ABC highway. This initiative continues and the latest planting is from Warrens to Redmans Village and from Warrens to the Spring Garden Highway. This is in year two of a three-year programme. “The planting of these trees beautifies and enhances the appearance of the ABC Highway and TDC is proud to be associated with this example of greening in Barbados,” said Mark Thompson, director and chairman of the TDC’s Project Assessment Committee.

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Signage a welcome plus WITH BARBADOS AS a tourist destination the importance of proper signage cannot be overlooked. The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) undertook the responsibility of placing signage of tourism attractions along the coasts and highways of the island to properly direct both locals and visitors. This project got started in 2007 in time for the island’s hosting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) 2007 Cricket World Cup.

CARLISLE BAY Signage Project. (GP)

THE INSTALLATION OF closed circuit tevelision (CCTV) security cameras along the South Coast of the island has greatly assisted members of the Royal Barbados Police Force in solving and reducing crime. The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), together with the Barbados

Hotel and Tourism Association, provided funding to the tune of BDS$250 000 to assist with the setting up of the CCTV cameras. This installation was an expansion of CCTV security cameras in Bridgetown and the TDC is looking forward to funding a similar project on the west coast.

Bridgetown Cruise Terminals Inc. WA R M LY C O N G R AT U L AT E S T H E

YEARS OF SUPPORTING BARBADOS’ TOURISM

Deep Water Harbour, Bridgetown Tel: (246) 431-0386 • Fax: (246) 431-9032

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DURING GOVERNMENT’S BUDGET of 2015, the Ministry of Finance reduced the corporate income tax reduction on the amount contributed to the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) from 150 per cent to 100 per cent. This was a disappointment. “Of course the industry can see that the TDC is doing excellent work but we have come under pressure with this decline in incentive. We are trying very hard to get it back to 150 per cent. We would like it to go higher than the 150 per cent,” said Chairman Martin Ince. Government continues to encourage businesses to contribute to the TDC through the provision of the 100 per cent corporate income tax reduction on the amount contributed to the organisation in a given income year. In the month of January, each contributor is forwarded a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue

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which serves as a tax certificate verifying the total amount contributed to the TDC during the previous calendar year. According to the Income Tax Act, Cap 73, Section 12E1; (1) Where any person, in an income year, contributed an amount of money to the TDC, a company incorporated under the Companies Act, then in calculating the assessable income of that person for that income year, there shall be deducted an amount equal to, (a) 100 per cent of the actual amount contributed or, (b) 100 per cent of three per cent of pre-tax profits for the proceeding income year, whichever is the lesser. The benefit described in Subsection 1 may be granted on the certificate of the Secretary of the TDC to the effect that the amount was contributed and that it was used for tourism promotion. (CH)

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$28 million invested to date by CHERYL HAREWOOD OVER the next six months the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) will invest BDS$649 000 in tourism related projects across the island. This will increase the TDC’s funding of tourism projects over the past 30 years to approximately $BDS 28 million. Beneficiaries for the next six months to a year will include the Beach Culture World Tour, the Hockey Federation at Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Barbados Street Lighting Project, the Barbados Surfing Association, the World Association of Flower Arrangers, Run Barbados, Barbados Open Water Swim, the National Conservation Commission beach facilities, Landscape Upgrades for Barbados Beach Accesses, The Barbados Darts Festival, The Barbados Squash Tournament, the Caribbean Rugby 7s, the Barbados Dive Festival and Taste Of The Caribbean. Funds have also been approved to have closed circuit television cameras installed along the West Coast of the island. Director and chairman of the TDC’s Project Assessment Committee, Mark Thompson has disclosed that while most of these projects evolved around companies and individuals approaching the TDC for financial assistance,

the TDC will, as is customary, see the need to get involved in a project and take the lead to do so. “Mostly people come to us, but there are times when we will notice something needs to be done and make a project out of it. Good examples include the Welchman Hall Gully, Andromeda Gardens, Gun Hill, Medford Mahogany and Chalky Mount projects. “The TDC has also initiated a project to assess the state of our public monuments and then to clean and repair them wherever necessary. This is quite a complex project as there are many different agencies that need to be involved. “However we have made a start. The assessments are ongoing and we hope to start seeing actual improvement at individual monument sites in the very near future,” Thompson also noted. He added, “We push as hard as possible to make sure funds are well spent. These are funds donated by companies to be used to promote tourism. We want to make sure we are spending those funds in the best way possible. We don’t just give money. We release the funds whenever and only when invoices are given to us.”

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