Tobago hoteliers endorse PM's appeal for holidaymakers to follow covid19 protocols

Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA) president Chris James has endorsed the Prime Minister’s appeal for citizens to take personal responsibility for preventing a further upsurge in covid19 cases, particularly in light of the upcoming Spiritual Shouter Baptist holiday and long Easter weekend.

Dr Rowley made the appeal during a news conference on Saturday at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s.

Warning citizens against becoming covid-weary, Dr Rowley dismissed talk in some quarters that TT was transitioning into a post-pandemic period.

He said any irresponsible conduct in public and private spaces within the ensuing days could undo the country’s strides, within the past year in combatting the virus.

A failure to take personal responsibility to prevent a further spread of the virus, Dr Rowley added, could lead to “harsh consequences” for average citizens.

He said the country simply has no money for any further financial bailout.

Speaking to Sunday Newsday, James said he supported the Prime Minister’s appeal.

“The Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association welcomes all visitors to Tobago. We wish them an enjoyable time in Tobago but, please, adhere to all of the covid (19) protocols,” he said.

“The properties are cleaned in safe covid practices and if we all act responsibly, I am sure all will have a good time.”

James, who revealed that more than 76 per cent of Tobago’s accommodation sector is already booked for the Easter weekend, said he has received favourable reports from hoteliers and guesthouse operators about the conduct of their guests.

“The reports I am getting from the hotels is that people are acting responsibly when they come. So, let’s see what goes on after Easter.”

James said hoteliers are grateful for the patronage given the hardship they endured owing to the covid19 restrictions over the past year.

“Easter is not a very long period. It is not going to help a lot financially but it is good that we are getting back to some normality.

“If everybody stays safe, we ill get back to normality quicker.”

Former THTA president Nicholas Hardwicke also supports Dr Rowley’s appeal for citizens to stay the course.

“I thought it was appropriate. The PNM has taken the opportunity to calm the population down in terms of some of its anxieties but also to warn us that we are not through this yet and that we are approaching a period with the two public holidays coming up in the next fortnight where the inclination in some quarters may be to relax a little and drop our guard. And we shouldn’t do that.”

He described Dr Rowley’s appeal as “measured and appropriate.

“I think anybody who transits in and around Trinidad and Tobago in the recent weeks and months will have seen a gradual slackening or personal responsibility by some people, not wearing masks and large groups, certainly in city centres, that has been very obvious.”

Hardwicke, owner of the Seahorse Inn, Black Rock, suggested that after a year of restrictions and draconian measures it is very easy to feel fatigue.

He added news of a supply of Astra-Zeneca vaccines by Thursday may have also encouraged some people to become complacent.

“With the news that vaccines are now rolling off the production lines albeit not in sufficient quantities to really surge, people might feel inclined to think that the end is in sight. Well, it is not.”