We must first make sure we are alive and then we can worry about our power to earn. 

This was the sentiment shared by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, as he visited Caribbean Packaging Industries, Nestle, TYE Manufacturing and VEMCO on Wednesday.

His tour came almost one week after government gave the green light for the manufacturing sector to fully resume operations. 

According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Rowley heard from manufacturers regarding the measures they have implemented in response to COVID-19 and the strides they are making to ensure production.

While speaking to employees at VEMCO he urged employees to adhere to the guidelines from the public health care professionals. “Many people ask me as Prime Minister- how did Trinidad and Tobago know what to do? The answer is very simple, the government took the advice of the healthcare professionals and made the political and governmental decisions that we will do what we have to do to stay alive. And once we are alive, we will make a living,” he said.

Dr Rowley was accompanied on the visits by Minister of Trade and Industry, the Hon. Paula Gopee-Scoon and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Agriculture, Dr John Alleyne.