Since May 4th, 2021, all food services and non-essential retail businesses in Trinidad and Tobago have been closed. While the government has begun reopening some sectors on July 11th, with food service and restaurants resuming operations with restrictions such as drive-through, curbside, and takeaway only, the retail sector remained closed for a further month.
As retailers prepare to reopen on Monday, cleaning and sanitizing is the order of the day. According to Gregory Aboud, President of the Downtown Owner and Merchants Association (DOMA), they are cautiously optimistic that normalcy will be restored. It is expected that merchants will have to wait for consumer confidence and for consumer resources since the association is well aware that people have been out of work for a long time. As a result, consumers’ purchasing power may be limited. Nevertheless, business owners are relieved that they can now open and conduct business.
According to the Central Statistical Office in 2019, the retail sector comprises of over 8000 business establishments and accounts for 13% of the country’s GDP. There is no doubt that the closure of the retail sector in recent months has had an economic impact on the country.
While the restrictions were in place, some businesses were able to conduct some online transactions, while others were not so fortunate and were looking forward to seeing customers again on Monday.
According to Aboud, the best way to overcome these economic setbacks is to give as much as possible to your customers and ask as much as possible of your suppliers. Many retailers appear to be utilising this strategy, as they have already begun to advertise reopening specials. To entice customers during this ‘guava season,’ some stores are offering discounts on everything storewide.
Aboud, is unwavering in his belief that “no one is to blame for the cause of this pandemic.” He does, however, urge the Ministry of Health to include how many new positive COVID cases are vaccinated patients in their daily report, as well as the daily deaths should identify the ratio of vaccinated and non-vaccinated patients. He proudly boasts that he is vaccinated and encourages all the merchants, their staff and customers to get vaccinated.
Aboud says, businesses cannot afford another lockdown and so he implored the public to get vaccinated and follow the protocol. “If you have a leak in your sink or shower at home, you call a plumber. If your lights are not working, you call an electrician and if are not feeling well, you go to a doctor. So, you know where to go when you need advice in a specific area. If you need advice on whether or not to take the vaccine, why not call your doctor? Ask your doctor if you should take the vaccine. I think if that was to happen, the great majority of people will get the vaccine.” He says.
Retailers will increase their vigilance regarding COVID-19 protocols in order to limit the spread of the virus. No chances will be taken now that the Delta variant is in Trinidad, especially given the ease of transmission. Aboud confirmed that merchants will not entertain customers who do not wear the appropriate face covering over their nostrils, mouth and chin. He also gives the reassurance that all sanitizing and distancing protocols will be followed in downtown Port of Spain.