In the last Sunday Business Guardian, Raphael John-Lall provided an overview of the impact that crime is having on the domestic business community. He cited research and analysis conducted by two economists at the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies and spoke with the coordinator of a conferation of business groups.
This week, he follows up by talking to the Eastern Business and Merchants Association as a case study of the impact of crime.
Like the rest of the country, crime and insecurity continue to erode business confidence in the Sangre Grande area.
Sangre Grande is one of the largest towns in the northeastern part of the country and its shopping district is used daily by thousands of citizens who live there and who travel through the town daily.
President of the Eastern Business and Merchants Association (EBMA), Ricardo Mohammed, told the Business Guardian that consumers are spending less money as they can no longer shop in peace in this area.
The EBMA is made up of over 150 businesses.
In the Sunday Business Guardian, University of the West Indies (UWI) Economist Dr Regan Deonanan said crime negatively affects not only businesses but the entire national economy as well.
Mohammed painted a gloomy picture of what the business community in north-east Trinidad now faces.
“The town of Sangre Grande is usually seen as a main town center for neighbouring districts from Matelot to Mayaro. Many people travel through this town to get to and from work. Persons travelling home in the evenings would take a walk through the city, they may do minor shopping, meet and greet some friends. Due to the increase in crime, consumers are harassed by ‘pests’ on the streets, asking for money, females are heckled and feel unsafe, young working men are bullied etc, the once peaceful atmosphere has now become gloomy deterring consumers from late evening shopping.”
Because of the unfriendly environment, he said business has “dwindled” in this area of Trinidad.
“In essence, late-night shopping has dwindled, which is now forcing businesses to close earlier simply because we cannot meet our overheads during extended late hours and we are concerned about robberies and senseless killings,” said Mohammed.
He spoke of the costs that businesses incur because of the spike in the crime rate.
“The pandemic has significantly impacted businesses and the business owners financially, many SMEs are now forced to hire security, at a significant cost to the business due to this increase in crime. Security cost an average of $5,000 upwards depending on the number of security guards and the company they represent. This has placed further strain on the business community.”
He also gave graphic details of businesses being robbed, home invasions and property damage.
“Three businesses were broken into in the last two weeks, many items stolen, business vandalised, etc. Delivery drivers, and shoppers, have their vehicles broken into regularly and this negatively affects all of us in the business community. Home invasions are now a major concern for all, many homes have been broken into, people traumatised, etc. Many of these home invasions are not even reported in the media. Many people are afraid to report some of these instances because they have lost faith in the authorities and are worried that they will be subject to revenge attacks.”
He added that gang activity has also impacted the “senseless murders” in the area.
Proposed solution
In his statement, Mohammed made several suggestions to alleviate the problems the business community is facing.
These solutions include:
1. Implementation of CCTV systems.
2. Formation of neighborhood watch groups
3. Use of WhatsApp safety group in the business sector
4. Granting of FULS in a timely manner
5. Increase in border patrols for the eastern seaboard
6. Provision of the necessary crime-fighting tools by the Ministry to the T&T Police Service, vehicles etc.
7. Increase in youth training programmes.
8. Implementation and management of crime fighting strategies on time and monitor its results.
Developmental proposals
While he proposed short-term solutions, Mohammed also said in the long run the Government and the business community must work together to develop this region of the country so that citizens have jobs and financial security and do not have to turn to crime.
“We believe that the setting up of an agro-processing plant will greatly assist the vast majority of farmers in this district, not only allowing them to earn a better income for their produce but to aid with increased employment opportunities for members of the community. Development of access roads and basic infrastructure for farmers, will aid in the food production for our community.”
As in the rest of the world, he proposed developing businesses based on clean energy.
“In keeping with saving our environment, the setting up of wind turbines on the east coast and possibly solar farms as well, will significantly help with producing clean energy for the district and help reduce the dependency on fossil fuels for energy. Developments like this will surely benefit the entire country.”
He also said within the heart of the town of Sangre Grande, they can build a multi-facility parking complex that will solve the parking issues plaguing the town.
“This facility can also be constructed to accommodate a mini-mall, government offices, vendors and a rooftop tourist destination point equipped with food, arts and craft vendors and telescopes etc to view the eastern seaboard lighthouse etc.”
He added that they have started their very own “Ah Taste of Grande” food festival, which brings thousands of people from all over to taste their culinary specialties.
“Our next event is carded for Republic Day this year. This is now supplemented by Damien Chow, one of our executive members development of the ‘Grande Food Hub’ located on Alfonso St Sangre Grande, where we have a variety of the best foods every week from Thursday to Sunday that will definitely tingle your taste buds.”
Mohammed concluded by saying that the Government must address developmental issues if it is to successfully battle crime.
“By improving our community outlook and development, we hope to increase employment in Sangre Grande and environs. This will allow us to grow and become a major player in tourism on the east coast. Increased employment will assist in crime reduction. Overall, Government needs to fight crime from all angles, but use an approach that will address the economic hardship that leads to crime. Providing job opportunities will be key in addressing and alleviating crime in the East.”
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