SHASTRI BOODAN
The Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce (CPLCC) is positive the retail sector would see increased activity in the coming months.
CPLCC President, Mukesh Ramsingh, told Guardian Media the reopening of other sectors of the economy should complement the retail and food sectors in getting more business.
“Most of the businesses along the Southern Main Road in Couva re-opened on Monday, and the rest are expected to re-open today, with the exception of those that couldn’t and would remain closed because they were under pressure to pay rent. Stores have not brought out all their staff, and won’t until things pick up,” he said.
He noted: “We need other sectors to open up since these businesses complement each other. We need the bars, and in-house dining restaurants to open up and ensure that people adhere to COVID-19 protocols to keep the Delta Variant of the virus at bay.”
Ramsingh believes Government should not rush to open beaches and rivers since that could lead to higher levels of people congregations.
“I am again appealing to everyone to get vaccinated,” he stated.
Meanwhile, shoppers in Couva told Guardian Media their limited funds could only buy so much. Mc Bean resident Chilee Gopaul, 45, said her family has joined the ranks of the working poor and now, all she can afford is to window shop until the economy improves.
“I am getting money at the end of the month. I am here just to buy a few clothing items and to look around,” she explained.
Gopaul lamented rising prices: “The cost of food is so high, I feel we can only afford to eat dhal, rice and bhajee. I can’t afford to eat meat. The same piece of cheese I bought last month for $22 is now $35. My husband went to buy a car tyre yesterday. They told him the price gone up by $50.”
