Member of Parliament for Couva North and Minister of State in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Ramona Ramdial, held a tour to identify and develop heritage and eco-tourism sites within her constituency on Tuesday.

This tour involved officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Development Company (TDC) and relevant stakeholders from Couva North. Sites such as the Carli Bay Beach, World War II Watchtower at Perseverance, Orange Valley Mudflats, Temple in the Sea, Mud-Walled Shiv Mandir at Exchange and Dattatreya Yoga Centre were visited.

While on tour, the contingent met internationally acclaimed wildlife photographer, author and conservationist, Roger Neckles at the Orange Valley Mudflats. Neckles was photographing rare birds at the site when was met by Ministry officials and informed of their initiative to promote eco-tourism at that site. He commented that he was "getting goosebumps just thinking of the idea" and commended Government on recognising the importance of protecting environmental sites such as Orange Valley.

Ramdial spoke of the thrust by Government to boost tourism and the priority being given to developing sites which promote this sector. She said her constituency is rich in heritage, cultural and eco-tourism sites and therefore took the initiative to invite Cadiz for a tour to highlight these sites. She stated that "with this venture, employment will be created especially for youths, thereby reducing crime and encouraging growth of the local economy in Couva North."

Ramdial reaffirmed her commitment to the sustainable development of her people by implementing projects that will allow for sustainable growth of individuals.

Minister of Tourism, Stephen Cadiz was very pleased with the sites he toured and promised to work on a tourism package for the area in the near future.

Ramdial ended the tour by thanking Cadiz and other stakeholders and commented that "Couva North is open for business!"