The retail sector reopened for business across Trimnidad and Tobago yesterday and in so doing, brought a sense of normalcy of sorts back to the country ion the wake of months of forced lockdowns.
For business owners, workers, taxi drivers and families, the reopening brought a sense of hope and air of optimism that they could again earn a living and that economic malaise that had set in could be eased in the not too distant future.
Last weekend, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley made it clear that this country, like others globally, must come to realise the virus is not going anywhere and that we must live with it.
Even as the country's retail sector reopened, it is imperative that as a country we continue to heed the calls of health officials to wear masks, wash our hands and keep our distance to prevent spread of ther virus. Many citizens are still showing vaccine hesitancy for one reason or another. That is a choice but it must not be to the peril of the wider national community. Everyone must understand that in the past 16 months, T&T has suffered significant loss.
Government is currently preparing to vaccinate children so that they can return to in-person interaction in schools. No online class can make up for the interaction with peers and teachers they need. The country has lost economically, many have lost jobs, many have been evicted from their homes and children have lost parents and families have been torn apart by the ravages of a virus that is showing no sign of going anywhere.
So while it is good and a positive sign the economy is steadily reopening, it cannot be back to business as normal as these are abnormal times.
Finance Minister Colm Imbert yesterday indicated that the Government has thus far spent TT$5 billion in measures associated with providing for citizens during the battle against the virus. That is money that could have been used elsewhere if only citizens had shown the discipline needed to fight it.
The virus still looms large with the Delta strain now making its rounds and three confirmed cases here in T&T. While no one can force anyone to take a life-saving vaccine, better judgment should come from the thousands of citizens who still have two vaccine doses in their name waiting to be utilised. Whether they do or not is up to them.
However, this country cannot withstand another lockdown, as it will certainly be a nail in the coffin for many business owners and thousands more workers citizens who already can barely survive.
We, like those in authority, thus urge citizens to utilize to vaccinate and encourage their children 12-18 to do the same. This is our only hope. Tens of thousands have died from the Delta variant in the United States, T&T, with far less resources, can certainly not withstand a similar hit.
As we enjoy the reopening and freedom to return to shopping and other activities, let us also remember we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our loved ones. And one collective slip could take us back to a point we do not desire to be in.