Couva Chamber confident retail sector will pick up

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Shastri Boodan

The Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce (CPLCC) is positive that the retail sector will see increased activity in the coming months.

Chamber president Mukesh Ramsingh told Guardian Media that the reopening of other sectors of the economy should complement the retail and food sector in getting more business.

He said, “Most of the businesses along the Southern Main Road, Couva were opened on Monday and the rest are expected to reopen today with the exception of those that would remain closed and not reopen because they were under pressure to pay rent.”

Ramsingh said stores have not brought out all their staff until things pick up.

He said, “We need other sectors to open up since these businesses complement each other. We need the bars, and in-house dining in restaurants to open up and ensure that people adhere to COVID-19 protocols to keep the Delta Variant of the virus at bay.

Ramsingh said the Government should not rush to open beaches and rivers since it would cause some higher level of congregations.

:I am again appealing to everyone to get vaccinated,” he urged.

Shoppers in Couva said that limited funds can only buy so much.

Chilee Gopaul, 45, of Mc Bean, said her family has joined the ranks of the working poor and she can only afford 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. The cost of food is so high, I feel we can only afford to eat dhal, rice and bhagi. 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.”

President Mukesh Ramsingh, left, looks at a bat at a Ramsingh SportsWorld, Couva on Tuesday, assisting him is Kevin Kowlessar