Tobago bar owner: ‘We did not benefit from Great Race’

Store Bay bar owner Ashley Mc Millan believes the TT Great Race should have been cancelled.

Mc Millan, who has been in business for over 15 years, complained on Saturday that he and other businessmen in the area did not benefit from the event.

The race, hosted by the TT Power Boat Association, was to be held on August 22 but was postponed after the Prime Minister announced new measures to stem the rise in covid19 infections.

The association later announced it had received approval from the Government to host the annual boat race on September 26.

Last week, the Crown Point Partnership Association complained the race would have been of no benefit to Tobago.

The association’s vice-president Shirley Cooke had told Newsday: “The general consensus is that there is no feasible benefit that people can really pinpoint for having this race at this time.

“Even when I listened to the coordinator, he didn’t allude to any economic benefit or anything that is significant that it is bringing to Tobago.”

She said the TTPBA should have used 2020 as a year to reflect.

Mc Millan agreed with the views of the Crown Point Association.

“Things are bad and it is not fair,” he told Newsday.

“Honestly, this race should not have gone on. I don’t care what nobody tell meh.

“If Roxborough does get a little race and it could not have gone on, then this should not go on either. It is very hard.”

Mc Millan said he arrived at his business early on Saturday hoping to make money to cover some outstanding bills.

“If is one person in Store Bay always open is me, no matter what. I want to see what little I could get.

“Is a long time I eh really make no money and I felt I could have made some today (Saturday). But is late on Friday I found out that they do not want anybody in the facility compound.”

Mc Millan said he was disappointed.

“People have bills to pay. This is sad. A day like today (Saturday) when people could make a money, it is very, very hard.”

Mc Millan also believes some people in authority are abusing their power.

“They are using their power to inject in on you and to squeeze you more.”

Mc Millan said he tries to offer visitors to Store Bay “a different ambience.

“So that when people come here they must want to sit and stay.”

Mc Millan said he takes pride in his business.

“I will be a great businessman because I don’t care if it is my wife, daughter, whoever, I deal with you just how I deal with everybody.”

But owing to the covid19 restrictions and its negative effects on businesses, he is contemplating closing down the bar.