TriniRealty.com

Health Minister Jerry Narace says he is satisfied with the progress of the new Scarborough Hospital project. He was speaking with the reporters during a media tour at the site of the new facility on Wednesday. Narace said the hospital was on schedule for the third quarter handing over. He said the contractor was also on target with respect to cost.

“Had this project been done by the previous contractor the estimates that he sent in was $692 million Vat exclusive. Our comparative Vat exclusive cost for this hospital is $205 million for the completion.

Never underestimate the tourism industry. Behind the easy facade lurks a cut-throat industry that few independent hoteliers survive.

With tourism figures showing a little recovery after the drought of last year’s global economic crisis, local hotels are being forced to fight over slim pickings. For the past four decades, Kapok Hotel at St Clair has not only been holding its own, but is making headway in an industry dominated by international chains with deep pockets. As the hotel celebrates its 40th year in business with a new revamped look, directors and sisters Diana Cohen-Chan and Jane Chan recalled last week how they were raised in the business.

The economy may be bad, but people still love to read and buy books. Based on this simple formula, 42-year-old Nigel R Khan—a self-described book lover— decided to open a ninth branch of his book store chain yesterday at Grand Bazaar, Uriah Butler Highway, Valsayn. “When people buy books and read, it takes their mind off the negative economic environment that surrounds them.” Khan believes his loyal customer base clamouring for another branch led him to opening this newest one.