During an interview on Power 102’s Power Breakfast Show on Friday, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley revealed that he will be spending his birthday in Tobago as he celebrates the milestone.
Dr. Rowley is expected to provide an update on the Covid-19 restrictions, which end today.
One of the most vocal groups in support of rolling back the restrictions is the Barkeepers and Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BOATT).
Five more bars have recently closed their doors permanently as they could not cope with the reduced revenue because of the restrictions.
BOATT President Teron Mohan has urged Government to lift the lockdown in accordance with recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Mohan said, “In a release, the association said Dr David Nabarro, director-general of WHO appealed to world leaders, telling them to stop using lockdowns as your primary control method of the coronavirus. He also claimed that the only thing lockdowns achieved was poverty, with no mention of the potential lives saved.”
Trent Restaurants Owner Peter George has also admitted that his revenue took a hit because of the lockdown.
Blue Star Diner, which is under the Trent Group, was closed in September and 45 workers were sent home.
Other restaurants in the group, Buzo Osteria Italiana, Trotters, Amara, and Tommy’s Brewing Company, may suffer the same fate depending on the announcements made by Dr. Rowley today.
The entertainment sector has also suffered a loss because of the restrictions, which is evident with the closure of MovieTowne in Chaguanas.
While many have acknowledged that keeping the positive Covid-19 numbers down is a personal responsibility, most of the sectors have submitted safety protocols to guide their establishments when the sector reopens.
Then, there is the issue of the borders which have been closed since March.
But, speaking on the Power Breakfast Show, Dr. Rowley said the most important thing was keeping citizens safe.
At a press conference on October 10, Dr. Rowley announced the following:
- Members of the public can now gather in groups of 10
- Funerals will now allow gatherings of 20.
- Measures to be relaxed on bars, restaurants and places of worship by 24th October, once there are no significant increases in positive cases.
- Caribbean Airlines will operate six flights daily to Tobago.
- The Public Service will continue to operate on a 50 percent rotation; however a signed roster will be implemented by Heads of Departments at all work stations to ensure workers do not abuse the system.
- Exemptions have been granted for the operation of tours at the Buccoo Reef and the Caroni Swamp (diving and swimming are still prohibited).
Dr. Rowley will host a press conference today at 2:00p.m at the Anne Mitchell-Gift Auditorium, Scarborough Library Facility in Tobago.
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