New Year’s celebrations curtailed by COVID-19

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought lavish New Year’s celebrations for 2021 to a screeching halt around the world such as in England, Australia and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square, New York, USA.

Here in T&T, the pandemic has forced the cancellations of New Year’s parties at the top hotels in the country. The Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre will have dinner in the restaurant which ends at 10 pm on New Year’s Eve.

Instead of heading out for a night on the town, and ringing in 2021 with dozens of friends, many of us will be settling in for an evening in the safe confines of our homes, with smaller, intimate activities with the family such as firing up the barbecue pit or La Caja China roasting box in our backyards and staying closer to our pets to comfort them when the fireworks go off.

Guardian Media asked some people around the country how they will be spending Old Year’s/ New Year’s Day given COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures.

Singer/songwriter

Nailah Blackman

I will be spending New Year’s as I usually do with my mom and siblings. Just the immediate family, having a drink, saying a prayer to bless the new year and give thanks to the one gone.

Chef and author

Jassie Singh

I’m staying home, one has to very cautious given my age, 67.

I’ve been invited to a brunch within the community, I’m sure they will be practising safe distancing and I declined. I would really try to keep to my immediate family, even though my immune system is not compromised, I’m not willing to take the risk.

Businessman Ricardo Gay

For me, Old Year’s Night will be spent in reflection and prayer with family and giving thanks.

Owner of Your Wedding Driver/power plant operator Brent Gerard Housian

My Old Year’s into New Year’s will be pretty much the same as the past few years. I’m an essential worker at the power plant, so I will be working into the new year. On New Year’s Day for the past few years also, I will have weddings to operate through my private business Your Wedding Driver.

I didn’t go to Old Year’s parties even before COVID-19.

Shierneil Kimkeran

—single mother

I would usually enjoy my Old Year’s Night into New Year’s day at church counting down as an assembly at the end of the service. However, with the new restrictions due to COVID-19, service times and other aspects had to be adjusted so this year would be different. God spare life, I would most likely be at home with my children, thanking God for life.

Fui Toong on Association

president Joe Chan

Due to COVID-19 and our Government’s requirements, our annual New Year’s Day Luncheon is cancelled.

Many of our members are seniors, we have taken into consideration the health and safety of all our members and their families in this matter.

With the countdown on to New Year’s Day we hope whatever your plans are, you will be safe and adhere to al the COVID-19 protocols and restrictions in place.