Mixed business reaction to reopening plan

THERE was a mixed reaction among business organisations on Monday to Government's phased covid19 reopening strategy.

Monday saw the start of phase one, with restaurants, food outlets and street vendors being allowed to operate in accordance with covid19 public health regulations.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister outlined the six phases of this strategy. Phase one runs until May 23.

In a statement, TT Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) president Lara Quentrall-Thomas praised Government for its handling of the pandemic. But she said, "More consideration must be given to supporting resumption of business in the services sector."

She added a recent survey done by the TTCSI and the TT Manufacturers Association found 55 per cent of service companies terminated full-time employees during the stay-at-home order. Quentrall-Thomas said the survey also found 60 per cent of services companies indicated they would need urgent financing if their operations were restricted for three months.

She said the TTCSI was concerned that service companies were not prioritised in the covid19 recovery plan, and wants to work with the Roadmap to Recovery Team to rectify this.

Greater San Fernando Business Association president Kiran Singh felt Government was "moving in the right direction" in reopening the food sector first.

But he was disappointed that some smaller businesses such as garages, and stationery and bookstores were not allowed to open in phase one.

Singh explained these businesses can operate "without causing a crowd." He said some of the association's members own these types of businesses and have been making preparations for reopening.

"We feel significantly ready for reopening."

Penal/Debe Chamber of Commerce president Sieuraj Rampersad said, "There is a delicate balance between lives and livelihoods."

Rampersad said Government had done well so far to preserve lives during the pandemic.

But he wondered if testing 2,000 people out of 1.4 million to date,gave an accurate picture about whether the curve was being flattened in TT. He said this could be key to determining which businesses open and when. Rampersad said there are approximately 16,000 small and medium businesses in TT and many have experienced a "tremendous negative impact" during the pandemic.

In a statement, American Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Amcham) welcomed the phased reopening and said it does not " advocate for greater easing than has been announced at this point."

But Amcham added, "The reality is that all businesses are hurting badly. Most with zero sales in April and now zero for most of May."

Amcham also felt Government’s interaction with businesses around non-financial and financial support "has been inadequate."

It said just as Government's decisive action resulted in the health side of the pandemic being well managed to date, similar action must be taken for TT to "recover from the dangerous economic winds swirling around us."

Other businesses qualify for exemptions, it said, and consideration should be given to allowing them to reopen.