Tobago boatman on covid19 restrictions: Half a bread better than none

Tobago’s tour boat operators are relieved the Government did not shut down the industry as one of its measures to prevent a further spike in covid19 cases.

At the virtual health briefing on Wednesday, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced beaches will be closed and also there will be no in-house dining at bars, restaurants, casinos and cinemas.

He also announced only groups of five will be allowed to gather in public, while churches will continue to open at 50 per cent capacity.

The measures took effect from midnight on Wednesday and will last for three weeks.

The owner of Frankie Tours, Michael Frank, told Newsday reef boat operators have not been affected.

“We continue to operate and we could go to the Nylon Pool. The only thing we cannot do is play music,” he said.

“Although we cannot bathe in the beaches of Trinidad and Tobago, we are still allowed to go to the Nylon Pool. So that is a big plus.”

Frank said reef boat operators were given the green light to continue on Thursday, after a virtual meeting with maritime officials.

“They told us that we could go ahead and do tours as normal. So boat owners are thankful, because they could have closed it down totally. They could have said we cannot operate. Half a bread is better than none.”

Frank, who is also the vice-president/PRO of the Buccoo Reef Tour Operators Association, said Tobago’s hotel sector will also benefit from the boat trips.

“Hoteliers will be glad for that as well, because without the reef operations, hotels will suffer, because when tourists come they want to go out and do something.

“So I think the whole sector will be happy to know that at least the economy can still turn.”