kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt
While many businesses met their demise as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged economies, Caribbean Housing Ltd (CHL) marked a sizeable achievement when it officially opened Brentwood Mall in Chaguanas yesterday.
The flagship project began its planning phase some 15 years ago, and after construction started three years ago, COVID-19 restrictions hampered its projected completion.
CHL chairman Krishna Bahadoorsingh said the mall, located just off the Solomon Hochoy Highway, was phase one, with two other phases in train. It is a story of resilience, as the pandemic also challenged businesses that planned to take spots at the mall. Bahadoorsingh said 95 per cent of their prospective tenants stayed the course.
Consumers can patronise D Ranch, Domino’s Pizza, Creme Fraiche, Hakka Express, Raw Fitness and Excellent Stores at the location.
Bahadoorsingh said more shops will open in the coming weeks and months, as some businesses were currently designing their spots.
While some landlords evicted tenants or did not compromise with those who suffered severe losses during the early pandemic, Bahadoorsingh said they considered their interaction with occupants a symbiotic relationship.
He said CHL appreciated the risk tenants took in joining a new venture and wanted to assist in their successes.
“We want you to do well because when you do well, we do well. It is just not the relationship whereby you are a tenant and have financial obligations at the end of the month. We appreciate the fact that you have made this fantastic decision to commit yourself to a tremendous amount of finances to improve an empty space with the hope of being successful,” Bahadoorsingh said.
President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Commerce Baldath Maharaj said the mall’s establishment was an achievement in the borough, as it brings positive economic results.
Baldath said the retail sector has proven economically resilient. He said despite the pandemic, the Central Bank Annual Economic Survey 2021 revealed that the wholesale and retail sectors grew by 12.1 per cent. He said he believes the mall will enhance competitiveness, as consumers now have more options.
“We are all aware that consumption and spending influence the Trinidad and Tobago economy to a very high degree. Outside of social and personal services, the retail sector provides the largest block of employment. So this sector is very much welcome to Chaguanas. The location is also very convenient for residents and commuters commuting along the highway.”
While crime remains an impediment to investment and consumerism, Baldath said the centralised location appeared safe.
He said increasing employment in Chaguanas would not eradicate crimes but believes it would greatly assist in reducing incidents, as some people on the breadline would now feel a sense of hopefulness as there were more employment opportunities.
He said the chamber had partnered with Central Division police, donating a drone and repairing two vehicles to improve surveillance. The chamber has planned other initiatives to improve traffic flow east to west of the highway and will reveal a plan in the coming weeks.
Chaguanas Mayor Faaiq Mohammed said Brentwood Mall was exciting, new and enhanced the borough. Mohammed said it signals further growth and provides a sense of optimism for commerce and more investments.
He said it was also an indicator that T&T was recovering its economy as it transitions from a pandemic to normalcy.
