Freelance Correspondent
The Christmas holiday shopping season in Couva is being described as drab, with people simply not spending. In fact, business owners are hoping for a miracle.
Mukesh Ramsingh, president of the Couva-Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce (CPLCC), said people are holding back their cash as they brace for property taxes and increased electricity rates in the new year.
Ramsingh said businessmen, who were hopeful for bumper sales, are now left complaining.
“Consumers are looking to buy the necessities, the groceries are a little bit busy. Because of no extra disposable income, businesses are a bit slow right now,” he explained.
Couva businessman Azad Khan said sales have been very slow, which was also compounded by bad weather and an unavailability of goods. However, Khan said he was hoping for a Christmas miracle.
Ramsingh also said businessmen have not given up and are still optimistic that sales may pick up on and after December 19, the day set for salaries and backpay for public servants.
“With the property tax and increased electricity rates coming early in the new year, people are watching every dollar this Christmas,” he said.
Ramsingh said a lot of businessmen are also not investing in many goods like toys because of a lack of foreign exchange. He said some businessmen have also not been able to have the latest stocks on display for sale because of the backlog and delays at the port.