Trade Ministry tells businesses measures are to protect all

3125288

The Ministry of Trade has issued a statement telling the business community that the public health measures that we implemented last Friday under a new health ordinance, were done to “preserve the health and safety of their customer base, employees and by extension citizens of Trinidad and Tobago”.

The statement was in response to comments from the various business associations to the government’s recent decision to limit the operations of certain businesses in an attempt to stem rapidly rising COVID-19 infections.

Among the new measures implemented last week, malls, restaurants, bars, cinemas, casinos, beauty parlours, gyms and fitness centres were closed.

The measures run until May 23.

The ministry said it acknowledged the sacrifice of the private sector, especially medium, small and micro enterprises in the last 13 months, but reminded that several sectors remain open for business.

It advised the sectors that were forced to close to utilise alternative means to ensure their sustainability, including and to explore e-commerce options.

The ministry also said all businesses must see it as their solemn responsibility to strictly observe the public health guidelines to ensure the health and safety of employees and customers.