The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Eleuthera's COVID-19 restrictions will be “very challenging” for an island that is now at the “cusp” of the winter tourism season, several businesses have warned.

Christopher Cates, the Lumber Shed's owner, told Tribune Business: “These new measures are very, very challenging. Extremely challenging. We are on the cusp of whatever winter season we are going to have and it makes it very difficult for business.

"A lot of businesses were on the edge anyway, but do I think that it is necessary? I don’t think there is any other option at this point really. I think the Competent Authority is trying to make decisions for the best of the whole community and, as difficult as it is, I think it is necessary, unfortunately, with the number of cases we’ve had. It can only get worse unless we take some relatively strong measures."

Mr Cates said the recent water supply cut-off in central Eleuthera, due to a payments dispute between the Water and Sewerage Corporation and the area's reverse osmosis plant operator, had nothing to do with the spike in cases on the island. He added: “I think all of this stems from late night antics with young fellows hanging out, co-mingling and then going home and taking the virus home with them.

"Unfortunately, the enforcement end of things only really started to kick in in a big way at this point. We had a really strong force of policemen and agents here who are really pushing the buttons hard. But when you have young guys who hang out on the corner and share a bottle for three or four hours, and then go home, they are bound to take something else with them in addition to the headache."

Eleuthera is currently subject to a daily curfew and weekend lockdowns. During the week, from Monday to Friday, a daily curfew is in effect from 6pm to 5am on the island. Commercial activity will only continue during non-curfew hours.

Victor Russell, owner/operator of Smart Roofing, said: “Actually, I think the Competent Authority [Prime Minister's Office] was pretty good for construction. As a contractor I was very happy that he let us work. We’re not even coming in contact with any customers, me particularly, because I’m on the roof and I know what’s needed for the circumstances we’re under."

Franklyn Johnson, owner/operator of Franklyn Johnson Construction, said: “It depends on which area you are staying in. I live on the mainland in north Eleuthera. It is a little different after work hours, but you are allowed to go to work as usual.

"I know a lot of people get off at 5pm in the evening, and if you live across the bridge - as some people have to drive from James Cistern, Hatchet Bay and Gregory Town to go to work in some of the areas like Harbour Island - it makes it a little difficult to get back home in time.

“The travel is the greatest part of it. For a lot of those people that own small businesses like little take-away restaurants, it is difficult for them because they have to close completely, and they just recently started to reopen and engage in some type of profitable business.”