On August 3rd 2021, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, announced strict measures to combat the increase in Covid-19 cases.
Pursuant to the Statutory Rules and Orders No. 19 of 2021, an emergency curfew order took effect which allowed access only to essential services. This has led to the closure of numerous non-essential businesses across the island.
Upon interview with Emonews Ltd., several business owners have expressed that their businesses have suffered loss over the past sixteen days.
Ms. Giselle Francis, Owner of the Never Thirsty Bar in Portsmouth, expressed, “For some fleeting moments, the idea of going to bed early on a Friday night felt like a welcome relief. However, when it hits home that you make your big bucks on a weekend, that becomes an instant depressant.” She continued, “The bills do not stop coming, and we always have to eat. Following the curfew order from the first wave, our finances were left in a fragile state. We were just picking up some momentum and trying to pick up the pieces from where we left off.”
Nonetheless, Francis noted that the root of the issue lies with individuals who have little to no regard for the safety of others. She concluded, “If as a people we decide to follow the given protocols, there is a high chance that we can take back control. It remains up to us to protect our investments and keep our businesses operational.”
It is noteworthy that Covid-19 has no business preferences. Hairdressers have also struggled to navigate within the last few weeks. Kurna Jules, affectionately known as Kurnz the Braider, explained that the cancellation of hair appointments has affected her financially since she was fully booked for the month of August. Between the periods of August 3rd 2021 to August 17th 2021, she calculated a total loss of $1,732.00 which for a small business is a significant amount.
Undoubtedly, one’s expenses do not simply disappear due to the existence of Covid-19. Jules stated, “Since there is no definite time on when I may be able to resume business, the loss will obviously increase while still having to pay rent of the salon space, insurance, water and more.” Furthermore, she advised that the authorities should put in place protocols whereby hairdressers could at least attend to one client at a time.
Likewise, a local bus driver who traverses the West Coast line agreed that the recent restrictions have impacted all bus drivers. On August 3rd 2021, the government authorized that bus drivers would only be permitted to transport three people per seat in an effort to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The bus driver expressed, “Although the government has allowed buses to carry three persons per row, since there are only essential workers travelling back and forth, it is difficult to fill those seats.” He added that the reduction in working hours has also led to a reduction in the transportation hours which in turn creates a financial strain.
Following the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020, island tours organized by Sheppee Fun Tours became quite popular. Two days before the current curfew order took effect, the “Know Your Island Mega Tour Volume 4” was expected to take place. Shepherd Fregiste, also known as Sheppee, has expressed that the postponement of the named tour as well as other weekly summer tours have created a significant financial burden. “My business has been a victim of Covid-19. We have been directly impacted for the past sixteen days. Most of my tours have been either postponed or cancelled which places us at a loss,” he expressed disappointingly.
Jeoffrey Joseph, Manager of the Triple Kay International Band has also shared the plight of the entertainment industry. He explained that the Triple Kay International Band and others within the entertainment sector have been dealt a serious blow since the emergence of this Covid-19 pandemic. According to him, the medium term outlook is very grim and it is again weighing heavily on the emotional well-being of the musicians who depend on activities for survival.
Furthermore, Joseph voiced, “Despite the best efforts of the Ministry of Health and our incessant appeal to follow the protocols and seek vaccination, we are now facing another period of inactivity and mounting debt. This recent wave has unfortunately caught us at a time when local events were beginning to increase and overseas engagements were returning.”
Joseph announced that the band has recently returned from its very first overseas tour in over 18 months in Anguilla. Plans are in place to participate in Labor Day activities in New York, Texas and Miami which will bring some much needed income to the band and its members. However, members do not have the luxury of time to remain overseas for an extended period.
Despite the challenges faced, he took the opportunity to commend all frontline workers. He stated, “Your commitment and efforts are heroic and we appreciate all that you continue to do. Thank you.”
Following these interviews, it has been observed that most persons are concerned about the uncertainty which lies ahead. Covid-19 has brought immense financial difficulty across the island. While small businesses and the entertainment sector have indicated that they are currently operating at a loss, they avowed that the comeback would be greater than the setback.
