Located 15 minutes away from the capital, Port of Spain, Chaguaramas has been described as "one of the best kept investment secrets in Trinidad and Tobago."

The Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO) and the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) are working together to promote the 14,500 acre peninsula and its attendant offshore islands.

Chaguaramas boasts an impressive history. Because of its location, it houses colonial forts for the Spanish and the British.

During World War II, Chaguaramas was home to the United States Navy.

It was also the site of the signing of the 1972 Treaty of Chaguaramas, which created Caricom.

These days, Chaguaramas, with its several coves and bays, is home to large yachting and boating communities and a steadily growing marine services industry.

The range of business opportunities is vast, says Tidco, from eco-resort and marina development to hi-tech industries.

Tidco's major role continues to be that of a key promoter of this country as an ideal investment location.

Working with the CDA, it has been responsible for bringing several successful marine related businesses to the peninsula.

These include boat builders such as AIKANE Trinidad Ltd, marinas such as Albrosco Ltd and Crews Inn and night clubs and restaurants such as pier 1 and The Bight.

Leon Lue Yat, manager of Tidco's Investment Facilitation Department, says in the company's newsletter Tidco Times "The CDA has identified informatics as an investment opportunity and based on direct experience we've had quite recently with one foreign investor, this definitely appears to be a direction of the future."

He observes though, that the area is perfect for light marine industry and tourism related economic activities.

One such area is the 900-acre, attendant island of Chacachacare, which Government has proposed to U.S. business magnate Donald Trump for possible development of a casino resort.

The CDA has also identified several attractive land use proposals for the peninsula, which do not compromise its status as a national park.

Macqueripe Bay: Nestled at the northern end of the lush Tucker Valley, Macqueripe Bay is suited to the development of an up-market resort hotel or two.

Tracking station: The Satellite Station is perched on a nine acre plateau and is targeted for a health spa, recuperative centre of training resort.

Pier 1 - Carenage: this extensive beach is ideal for commercial investment: hotels, shopping facilities and entertainment centres, says CDA officials. Two piers which stretch into natural deep water can easily be restored to provide berthing facilities for cruise vessels and pleasure craft.

Monos Island: The area would be perfect for a holiday resort, with small-scale hotels and facilities.

National Park: parts of the peninsula, particularly those areas more than 300 metres above sea level, are reserved for a national park.

Numerous species of flora and fauna make thee areas perfect for a nature resort.

Tucker Valley South: At the southern end of Tucker Valley, there is a 120-acre expanse of land suited to the development of a recreational theme park.

Existing infrastructure: The 60 acres of land bordering Tucker Valley is composed of infrastructure which can be used to take advantage of the burgeoning yacht and marine service industries. The area is ideal for a light industrial park.

The CDA has also completed the first phase of the redevelopment of the Chaguaramas Hotel and Convention Centre.

In the past it was used as a U.S. Naval Base. The focus has expanded, however, according to a Tidco Times feature on Chaguaramas which highlights an up-market hotel offering convention centre facilities. The hotel has special features in each room, including separate telecommunications and Internet connections.

Apart from environmental concerns there are really no restrictions to investing in Chaguaramas and its accompanying islands, though the CDA stipulates that lands more than 300 metres above sea level are to remain virgin in order to preserve the peninsula.

Beyond that, says Tidco, the investor's imagination is the only limit.

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