San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello says consideration may have to given to closing the Marabella market if people continue to ignore social distancing directives.
Regrello spoke with Guardian Media at the market on Saturday morning where over 20 Municipal police officials were trying to manage a large crowd and ensure social distancing. The line to enter the market stretched as far as a quarter of a mile. Regrello said, "Based on what we observed last week with the indiscipline crowd we reinforced the presence of our Municipal officers to manage the crowds.
"We use a mike and were asking people to please desist (from crowding) and keep a certain distance but they not taking us on. Of course, there were unruly ones."
If this behaviour continues, he said, they will be forced to take drastic measures.
The mayor urged people not to wait until Saturday to do their shopping as the market is open every day.
"If the notion is that they are getting better prices on a Saturday, that is not true. I am looking at the prices and they are the same. And with many people at home right now they could come to the market during the week and not wait until Saturday."
Stressing that in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 people must following the instructions and guidelines of health officials and the Government, Regrello said, "I want to a make a special appeal to members of the public to stop their childish and irresponsible behaviour."
He said the police officers have been working double shifts and are exhausted. He will be meeting with the police on Monday to devise a plan and hopefully find a win-win solution to this issue.
Meanwhile, at the fish market at King's Wharf, San Fernando, there were just a few customers, but vendors are expecting sales to increase this week for Easter, and so will prices.
"Price will go up for Easter, the public has to understand that. And it slow with the fish because fish really not holding," said fish vendor Dhanraj "Bhagi" Ramkissoon.
Customer Indira Parsan said she has been fasting for the Lent and came out to purchase fish. While the prices are expensive, she said given the crisis in the country everyone was trying to survive. Admitting that she was scared of contracting COVID-19 which has already infected 103 citizens and claimed the lives of six, Parsan said she was only venturing out of her home out of necessity.