THE question on everyone’s lips is what’s in store for one of the most beautiful beaches in Tobago.
The Tobago House of Assembly intends to turn the Store Bay Beach Facility into a family-friendly, world-class recreational venue.
Although lacking the appeal of some of the gems of the island such as Pirates Bay, Englishman’s Bay and Pigeon Point, Store Bay’s beauty is unique.
A sunset at Store Bay is a sight to behold. The rhythmic sound of gentle waves crashing on the shore is enhanced as the sun descends beyond the horizon, leaving an explosion of vibrant colours in the fading sky. The silhouettes of boats on the shimmering water become more pronounced till they disappear into the darkness.
It’s not just beautiful to look at. Store Bay has long been a regular stop for many for local cuisine such as crab and dumpling or conch and provisions, available at the popular Miss Trim or Miss Jean food stalls.
As a visitor approaches the steps descending to the beach, the buzz of the blender at Man on The Rock beach bar indicates that owner Ashley McMillan, or one of his staff, is whipping up a cocktail for a customer.
Tobago treats such as bene ball, sugar cake, preserved mango, preserved plums and many other delights are available at small tables to the left of the steps down to the beach, where vendors, mostly women, sell for most of the day.
What to expect
The layout of the popular spot is expected to change soon, with the Division of Tourism planning major renovations. Among the new features of an initial design are a swimming pool, a roadside bar and food court, a beach bar and restaurant, and a jetty. And visitors will have to pay to enter the new facility.
The division said the project is still in the consultation phase and no tenant would be displaced when the facility is completed.
However, there have been complaints that not enough consultation is happening, though the division met on two occasions with some stakeholders in July. The meetings followed a survey done last year by the Eco-Industrial Development Company of Tobago.
[caption id="attachment_1107464" align="alignnone" width="928"] A vendor passes time on her phone as she waits for customers to buy her local treats such as bene ball and preserved mango at Store Bay Beach Facility on September 8. - Visual Styles[/caption]
At one of the meetings, tenants were given two options: a full shutdown, which would allow the project to be completed faster (nine months); or on a phased basis, which would take 18 months. The division had hoped to start this month, but more consultation is expected to take place.
Meisha Trim, owner of Miss Trim Foods, has been selling at Store Bay for 17 years. Her mother, Greta, started the business over 40 years ago. In an interview with Newsday on September 8, she said she fully supports the initiative.
Contrary to some claims by stakeholders, she said there was a “collaborative” approach to the meeting. She said although not everyone was present, they were told to spread the information to the other te
