Magdalena Grand Under Review Over Serious Maintenance Issues
The Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort is being closely examined by the Government after serious maintenance deficiencies were identified at the state-owned Tobago property.
Speaking to reporters, Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein said parts of the resort are unusable, citing longstanding problems with maintenance and infrastructure.
He said the issues at the Magdalena reflect broader challenges facing State-owned hospitality assets, noting that significant repairs are needed to restore sections of the facility.
« So the Magdalena, we have areas there that are totally unusable. The maintenance programme there was in fact very poor. You have the HVAC system giving problems. You have, I can tell you, that they have rooms where I have seen photographs where the ceiling would have collapsed. »
Minister Hosein also questioned the effectiveness of management at the property and said the resort’s operations are being carefully scrutinised.
He added that the Magdalena differs from Hilton Trinidad because it is operated directly by e- TecK rather than an international hotel operator, making the State responsible for its day-to-day management and maintenance.
« And then you have persons there who are being paid enormous salaries, and you’re not getting the output from what you pay people. So therefore, the Magdalena is also being looked at carefully because that one, we don’t have an operator. The Magdalena is in fact being operated by the e TecK. So unlike the Hilton, you have the Hilton operating the asset. The Hyatt, you have the Hyatt operating the asset on behalf of UDeCOTT. »
Minister Hosein said the property remains under active review as Government assesses options for improving the condition and performance of the tourism asset.
