The Crown Point stretch, from Pigeon Point Road to Store Bay Local Road, is set to come alive again with the reopening of food establishments on July 19.
They were ordered closed by the government from April 30, as one of the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Many who know the Crown Point area refer to it as the St James of Tobago for its round-the-clock entertainment, food, drinks, and lively atmosphere. Although no bars will open, business owners and patrons are happy.
Doubles vendor Linda Persad, who sells at the corner of the Coliseum said she is “relieved” businesses are reopening.
“To get out of the house feeling great. To get the chance to make some money is even greater. I had to use my little savings over the last couple of months to survive,” she told Guardian Media while she painted her cart.
Persad, from Barrackpore, who has made Tobago her home for the past 27 years, said her business is following COVID protocols.
“We have running water and sanitiser and making sure people social distance. We ready to get down to satisfying our customers and following the rules.”
She has not received her first dose of the COVID vaccine but plans to do so soon.
“I know I have to take it as I am dealing with the public. I have made up my mind,” Persad said.
Yusuf Diab, another Crown Point business owners, is also ready to take the vaccine.
“Yes, I plan to take it. I see it as necessary for me as I am now going to face the public again.”
He does not plan to “force” his workers to get it.
“Only when its the law to take it, then I would insist,” the businessman, who employs 25 workers, told Guardian Media.
“It was tough. My workers were flat on their backs. We gave them half of their salaries and some hampers. We helped where we can.”
“Although it was tough for us to meet our bills, we helped. Our suppliers were also lenient, and we worked with the banks too to pay our bills. Thank God businesses are reopening.”
