Politics
Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne Calls for Accountability on Barbados Development Projects
Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne questions Minister of Tourism on the development projects in Barbados, emphasizing public interest and financial aspects during the annual Estimates debate.
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Originally published by nationnews.com (opens in new tab)
His questions are not hostile but in the interest of Barbadians, said Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne yesterday as he called for a report card on a number of projects.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Christ Church South made the preface before questioning Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill yesterday in the Well of the House of Assembly on the Bay Street to Princess Alice Highway stretch that included the controversial proposed Hyatt Hotel, the Needhams Point Development plan for the state-owned Hilton Barbados, the Treasury Building in Bridgetown and the private Savvy On The Bay development.
It was for a public that wanted to know the direction of the country’s physical development plan “in so far as it relates to tourism, hotel development”, Thorne said during the annual Estimates 2024/2025 debate over the allocation of $21 537 564 to the ministry.
In response to his queries, Barbadians heard that Hilton had attained a profit of $9 million for the last financial year and was projected to reach $10 million for the 2024/25 financial year, according to Hilton Barbados’ finance director Nigel Hall. The occupancy was rising with a projection for near 80 per cent year round.
