AMCHAM: Open more businesses

AMCHAM TT has called on government to consider adding more sectors of business as part of the first phase of easing restrictions in place to combat the spread of the covid19 virus.

In a media release on Sunday – a day after Prime Minister Dr Rowley announced the easing of certain restrictions – the chamber said while it understands the need for government’s precaution, other sectors in the business community continue to face major hardship as a result of the restrictions.

The Amcham release said, “There are some other businesses that should be considered for exemptions to allow them to operate and we urge government to put in place a clear and transparent process for them to apply to do so.”

Although Amcham said the government’s action in reacting to the pandemic was successful and saved lives, it added that the government lacked adequate interaction with the business community in its plan for a total total lockdown. “The reality is that all businesses are hurting badly – most with zero sales in April and now zero for most of May,” it said. Amcham said there should be collaboration between the business community and government to make the economic environment more conducive to doing business and attracting investment. On Saturday, the PM said restaurants and roadside vending will be allowed with curbside pick-up, but the ban on in-house dining has not been lifted. These businesses will operate until 8 pm from May 10 to 23.

During this period also, manufacturing businesses will resume work, and people will be allowed to exercise outdoors but must still maintain the six-feet-away rule and must not congregate. ​

In the second phase, earmarked to run from May 24 - June 6, the manufacturing sector will reopen and all public-sector construction will resume. The restriction of 50 per cent occupancy of public transport remains in effect.​

Rowley added that the third phase is scheduled for June 7 to 20 and in this, all public services are scheduled to resume operations, flexi-time and alternate-days work will be considered. All private-sector construction is also proposed to resume and public transport occupancy will then move to 75 per cent.​ He said schools will remain closed and the country’s borders will remain closed until further notice.​