While some stakeholders are not surprised by the Government's structured easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, they believe more operations should resume, lessening the strain on small and medium-sized enterprises (SME).
In fact, business leaders and politicians are forecasting possible closure among SMEs that have had no revenue since the Government implemented the Public Health Ordinance lockdown measures in March.
Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce president Ramchand Rajbal Maraj was not surprised at the reopening of food businesses. But while he agrees with reopening the economy in phases, he said mechanics, technicians, real estate agents and National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) outlets should be allowed to operate from Monday.
"I was expecting some businesses that do not have any clustering to reopen. I do not see why they are still closed, like mechanics. When a mechanic takes a job, he does it by orders. If a car needs engine work, the owner drops off the car and leaves. When it is complete in two or three days, he collects it," Maraj said.
"It is the same thing for radio and television technicians; they operate alone or with a helper. I understand what the Prime Minister said about barbershops and close contact but the NLCB boots, if they open, you can have your social distancing measures in place.
"What is the difference between a guy going to the hardware store and another going to purchase a Play Whe ticket? We are looking at the creation of jobs. Do you know how many people enrolled in lotto booths? The government has to ease unemployment and create some liquidity in the economy."
Greater San Fernando Chamber of Commerce president Kiran Singh said yesterday's rollout was a right step to regenerate employment and economic activity. However, he said the chamber wanted more impetus in reopening small SMEs.
"A lot of these businesses are operated by sole breadwinners and we need to care for them," Singh said.
"The Government did a fantastic job of taking care of citizens' health and keeping the mortality and infection rates low. However, we want to strike a delicate balance in how we reopen the economy. We need to see economic balance because a lot of small businesses have the potential to fail if they continue without a revenue."
He believes if citizens continue to follow the Ministry of Health's guideline for social distancing, wearing protective gear and exercising proper hygiene, these businesses can function safely.
He said Government should consider allowing the auto servicing industry, from car dealers to small mechanics, providers of security cameras, computer sales and services, air conditioning units, books and arts and craft to reopen.
Certified fitness trainer Dillon Jeffrey agreed people should be allowed to exercise outdoors as maintaining proper health is essential to fighting diseases.
"I understand why they have not reopened gyms yet. Gyms are confined spaces where the machines are close together. Even though we are getting some restrictions lifted, we cannot go all out because the threat of the virus is still real and there is the possibility of second and third waves," he said.
Jeffrey also urged those exercising in parks and savannahs to limited their activities to 30- 45 minutes so that everyone can take turns without crowds gathering.
Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) leader David Abdulah said landscapers, private construction companies, florists, copy centres, bookshops and other small businesses that do not attract large gatherings should also be allowed to reopen in Government's first phase.
"We think a few other businesses can open. If they are allowed to reopen, that would also ease their burden, bringing back a cash flow and workers will get back their jobs," Abdulah said.
Progressive Party leader Nikolai Edwards meanwhile said the phased reopening of the economy was realistic and welcomed. However, he said many State bodies have not yet innovated and clearly identified alternative arrangements in the new and now prolonged environment.
"It is important to our country's survival to determine how can these rules of engagement transition down to the average citizen. We would like to urge citizens to continue to practice social distancing and not to get too comfortable with the lifting of restrictions," Edwards said.