00:00The airport's authority stated on Wednesday, following the formal handover of the new eastern terminal at the A&R Robinson
00:08International Airport, preparations are progressing steadily towards the imminent operational opening of the new facility.
00:16A key component of the terminal's readiness program is the establishment of commercial concessions. To this end, the authority says
00:26it continues to negotiate with both existing and prospective concessionaires regarding occupancy arrangements and related commercial terms.
00:36Some concessionaires told the TV6 News, despite this statement, some of their applications have been denied.
00:44The airport's authority says today, however, all existing small and micro business operators currently conducting business at the airport, including
00:53suite vendors, will be afforded the opportunity to transition their operations to the new terminal facility.
01:00Recognizing the important role these entrepreneurs play in the airport community and the visitor experience, the authority is working in
01:10close collaboration with the Tobago House of Assembly, THA, to ensure that local suite vendors and small business operators are
01:19well served.
01:20The authority says it has developed special accommodation arrangements for micro business operators under the proposed framework operations will continue
01:31to benefit from a favorable rental structure and will not be subject to minimum annual rent or turnover based rental
01:40charges.
01:41At present, they pay a rental rate of $50 plus VAT per month.
01:47There will be a moderate increase in these rates under a payment model that still remains accessible to micro business
01:55operators.
01:56The authority said on Wednesday, as a vital stakeholder, the Tobago House of Assembly has demonstrated full support for terminal
02:05readiness initiatives and has committed to providing aesthetic arrangements enhancements, which include new modern kiosk facilities, inside the new terminal
02:16buildings.
02:19These kiosk facilities, as well as the public, will be able to offer micro businesses, the benefit of an enhanced
02:28operating environment, air-conditioned accommodation, improved customer accessibility, and a safer, more secure setting for conducting business.
02:37Rental arrangements for other concessionaires will be determined based on the size and location of the space allotted within the
02:48terminal, consistent with the overall commercial layout and operational requirements of the facility.
02:55In keeping with the authority's commitment to supporting Tobago's economic development, consideration has also been given to ensuring meaningful opportunities
03:05for indigenous Tobago-owned and Tobago-based businesses to participate in the commercial offerings within the new terminal, thereby encouraging
03:15entrepreneurship and local enterprise, while fostering their participation in the continued growth of Tobago's brand awareness,
03:23and the aviation and the aviation and tourism sectors.
03:27The authority encouraged broad participation by simplifying the application procedure for micro enterprises.
03:35While some prospective bidders were unable to satisfy all eligibility and evaluation requirements, the authority at all times remained committed
03:46to conducting a fair, transparent and competitive process that afforded all participants an equitable opportunity.
03:53To be considered for operations at the new terminal.
03:57The authority aims to ensure a smooth transition to the new eastern terminal, and will continue to engage all stakeholders,
04:06inclusive of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, and the Tobago House of Assembly, to ensure that the operationalization
04:14of the facility is undertaken in full compliance and regulatory requirements,
04:20and the legal frameworks, and in a manner that serves the best interests of the people of Trinidad and Tobago,
04:27and the wider travelling public.
04:29Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
04:32I just want us to see theνγ©γ³γ organisation.
04:32Will be the need for you each other one of these experts.
04:33Have fun.
04:34We're ready to go ahead and get you.
04:35Have a good person.
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