Tobago hoteliers to Government: 'What are your plans after covid19?'

Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA) vice-president Carol-Ann Birchwood-James said it is time the Government revealed its plans for re-opening the island’s economy, post-covid19.

“At this point, something has to give,” she told Newsday. “We cannot go on like this. You have all your hotels locked. Workers are not working.

"No income is coming in. We can’t pay the banks. You can’t pay the utilities.

"At some point something has to give and they have to tell us what are their plans.”

The Prime Minister is expected to address a news conference at the Diplomatic Centre on Saturday. There is a strong possibility he may reveal a further easing of restrictions, particularly with respect to domestic tourism and the operations of bars and food establishments.

On his appearance at a news conference on October 10, Dr Rowley said the Government would review the covid19 restrictions if the rate of new infections reached around 20 per day.

On that occasion, he sought to restart domestic tourism by reopening tours to the Buccoo Marine Park. But fun-seekers were not to be allowed to bathe in the Nylon Pool. Marine tour operators rejected this plan, saying it made no sense going to the marine park without sea-bathing.