Hilton gives Govt deadline

Hilton International has issued a stark warning that its operation of the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre in Port of Spain could end on September 18, 2026, unless a new long-term lease agreement is finalized with the government. The company informed employees that without a resolution, it will be unable to retain its staff beyond that date, potentially impacting the livelihoods of over 250 individuals.

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We have made excellent progress and we are actively continuing discussions, but we want to inform you that our teams have not yet arrived at a final agreement.

In a letter dated August 4 and addressed to employees, with copies sent to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and relevant ministers, Hilton Trinidad stated that discussions with State-owned Evolving Technologies and Enterprise Development Company Ltd (eTecK) and the government have been ongoing for months. While progress has been made, a final agreement has not yet been reached. The letter cautioned that if eTecK is unable or unwilling to continue hotel operations after the current lease expires, the hotel might close.

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Without a final agreement with eTecK, Hilton will be unable to operate the hotel beyond September 18, 2026. This means that Hilton will not be able to continue employing the hotel personnel after that date.

The company's understanding is that eTecK is expected to assume responsibility for all employees and related employment obligations once the lease expires. However, Hilton acknowledged a degree of uncertainty about eTecK's specific actions. Employees were advised that both Hilton and eTecK would provide updates before the lease deadline. If no agreement is reached, eTecK is expected to communicate directly with staff and the union regarding transition plans. The company also provided employees with estimated severance calculations in the event of closure and redundancy.

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Accordingly, it is Hilton’s understanding that eTecK will assume responsibility for all Team Members’ employment and all related obligations after September 18. However, we cannot say with certainty what eTecK will do.