Business welcomes early start to phase two

SOME of this country's business organisations welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of an early start to phase two of the easing of covid19 restrictions. On May 9, Dr Rowley outlined six phases for the reopening of the economy once medical advice showed measures to prevent the spread of covid19 were working.

Phase one (May 11-23) involved the reopening of restaurants and food establishments. Phase two, originally from May 24- June6, involved the reopening of the manufacturing and construction sectors. Last week, TT Manufacturers Association (TTMA) president Franka Costelloe wrote to Rowley, the roadmap to recovery team and Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, asking the manufacturing sector be allowed to reopen on May 18 (Monday).

At a news conference on Saturday, Rowley announced the reopening of the manufacturing sector on May 21 (Wednesday). In a statement, the TTMA thanked Rowley for this announcement. The TTMA said the manufacturing sector has already proven itself to be responsible and equipped to control the spread of covid19.

The TTMA said this is reflected by 50 per cent of manufacturers operating as essential services over the last eight weeks as efforts to combat covid19 continued. With Rowley expressing confidence that the remaining 50 per cent of manufacturers can operate safely, the TTMA urged all manufacturers "to do whatever is necessary to ensure that stringent safety measures are in place before reopening."

The TTMA added, " We are charged with human lives and the cost of a resurgence is too high a price to pay for a lack of vigilance." The TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce welcomed the reopening of the manufacturing and construction sectors on May 21. The Chamber also praised the reopening of automotive repair, tire shops, laundry and dry cleaning sectors early.

" We see this as protecting employment and generating foreign exchange earnings," the Chamber said. The Chamber supported the no mask-no service policy mentioned by Rowley and asked all businesses and consumers to adhere to this. The Chamber added it has circulated the Health Ministry's covid19 regulations to its members and is optimistic, that Government could accelerate the opening of other sectors of the economy "based on the success of the actions taken in the next phase."

The American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) said, "The slightly earlier re-opening of additional businesses will begin the slow process of kickstarting our economy by securing jobs for employees, continuing trade and earning much needed foreign exchange." Amcham also said this will help Government to " to continue to provide the much needed relief measures to assist citizens who are impacted by the ongoing effects of covid19."

Amcham welcomed registered businesses such as registered taxis should be recognised for being compliant with covid19 restrictions and tangible support for other businesses to weather the pandemic.

Amcham encouraged all businesses and individuals to follow the established health protocols to stop the spread of covid19. Amcham hoped that with a decline in local covid19 cases, "we can start rebuilding the society and economy."