Head of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC), Baldath Maharaj, says crime—and the fear of crime—are impacting business in Central Trinidad.
He made the comment today, at the CCIC’s a breakfast meeting held at the Signature Hall, Longdenville.
“When crime rates are high, business owners are forced to take additional security measures to protect their property and employees, such as hiring security guards, installing security cameras, and implementing other security protocols. These measures can be costly and time-consuming, taking away resources that could be better used to grow their businesses,” the CCIC President said.
According to Baldath Maharaj, the fear of crime also can have a negative impact on consumer behaviour.
“People may be hesitant to visit stores, restaurants, and other businesses in areas with high crime rates, leading to reduced foot traffic and sales,” he pointed out. “This, in turn, can lead to a decline in business activity and revenue, making it difficult for businesses to stay afloat.”
He added: “In addition to the direct impact on businesses, crime also has a ripple effect on the economy as a whole. The government is forced to spend additional resources on law enforcement and public safety initiatives, taking away funding that could be better used for social programs and infrastructure development. This can lead to a decline in the standard of living for citizens, further exacerbating the problem.”
Also at the CCIC breakfast meeting was Mayor of Chaguanas, Faaiq Mohammed, who once again called for more police patrols and greater police visibility throughout the Chaguanas Borough.
