The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts has welcomed the lifting of restrictions, believing it will boost the tourism and entertainment sectors.
In a release, the ministry said the abolition of safe zones, loosened entry protocols and removal of restrictions on beaches and rivers “come at a time when both the tourism and culture sectors are on a path of recovery, particularly after the highly successful ‘Taste of Carnival’ that saw events held within the public health regulations at that time.”
“The staging of ‘Taste of Carnival’ events is certainly instructive, as it signalled the reopening of the events industry. These activities brought much hope and relief to persons involved in the entertainment sector and its support services,” Minister Randall Mitchell said.
“It is also encouraging that twenty-five days later, these events caused no significant spike in COVID-19 cases.”
The release said the ministry embarked on collaborative approaches, consultations and constant dialogue with key stakeholders to define protocols for the safe reopening of the entertainment sector and restarting of tours and tourism activity which will ensure their recovery and generate revenue for both sectors between October 2021 and January 2022.
“This resulted in the restarting of Buccoo Reef and Caroni Bird Sanctuary tours as well as reduced restrictions to allow for staging of events at all national performance spaces,” it said.
“Every year, the events industry generates significant revenue for promoters, performers, artistes and cultural workers as direct beneficiaries of the staging of concerts, shows and productions. In addition, service providers who support the industry like janitorial and security companies, food and beverage suppliers, graphic artists, caterers and sound and lighting technicians will also benefit from this further lifting of restrictions as the events industry returns to normal.”
Mitchell reminded the population that even as “we all prepare to move around more freely to visit sites and attractions and attend events across both Trinidad and Tobago, we should all exercise personal responsibility while still observing the 3Ws: Wear a mask, Wash your hands and Watch your distance.”
