The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce has expressed disappointment over the Prime Minister’s COVID-19 announcements yesterday, assome sectors have been asked to remain closed for another 14 days.

In a statement, the business chamber said “We are disappointed that our recommendations were not accepted even after the submissions of detailed protocols by various sectors to the Ministry of Health which in many instances were more stringent than their guidelines.”

The Chamber said while some sectors have been reopened, there are many businesses in the food and beverage sector, among others, who remain severely affected by the full or partial closure, some for over 7 months.

“Our Government plays a vital role, in setting the conditions essential to recovery and strengthening the economy. The decisions our government leaders make can positively or negatively impact not only the strength and speed of the recovery, but whether entire industries, businesses, and segments of our workforce get left behind. The impact is not just on these businesses but the ripple effect it can have across our economy from landlords, banks, suppliers, employees, crime, mental health and domestic violence.” it said.

The Chamber said it is therefore crucial that the Government target the appropriate fiscal support for tax compliant businesses due to the debilitating impact this is having on them.