Linden Chamber registers disappointment with lack of relief for businesses 

COVID-19 relief

President of the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD), Victor Fernandes, has registered his disappointment over the amount of relief awarded to Linden businesses in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to members of the media on Wednesday, Fernandes noted that businesses in the community have suffered tremendous losses owing to measures put in place to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. As a result, he said, there is need for more economic intervention.
The LCICD Chairman related that following the implementation of the countrywide curfew measures, the Business Ministry had met with the business community to formulate a plan for submission to the Finance Ministry in regard to how relief would be provided to businesses. This, he said, was done based upon the realisation that businesses would be closed, hence suggestions were made, which were included in a plan. As such, he disclosed, the Small Business Bureau had agreed to give relief to businesses.
According to Fernandes, some seven small businesses in Linden have benefited from the relief, which was granted in two phases. The first phase saw 3 businesses securing funding, while the second phase saw about four additional businesses benefiting.
“However, I must state our disappointment to some extent, because the amount that we expected; for instance, they had (more than) about 160 million dollars which they had indicated to disperse, but what we saw is that less than 5 million dollars came to Linden. And so we want to register our disappointment with that. We’re hoping for some further relief, that other businesses would be considered. As it is right now, I can’t say if they have completed the process, which I hope not…”, Fernandes disclosed.
The LCICD President, in continuing, noting that some businesses in the community are barely surviving since the dawn of the pandemic, which has led to many social and economic setbacks. While he noted that businesses were expected to meet a certain criterion for the relief, he stated his belief that many which do not fall under the essential business categories will have to seek economic assistance in light of the restrictions on such businesses.
The LCICD president noted that Linden is predominantly made up of small businesses, many of which, he disclosed, operate on a day-to-day level in terms of generating finances. He explained that it is a difficult time for these businesses, hence the need for some amount of consideration. As such, Fernandes said, the Chamber continues to advocate through consultations with various entities. He said it is also a difficult time for the Chamber, which garners its revenue from various activities. Fernandes indicated that since the Chamber is registered as a friendly society, this also puts a limit on its scope.
“More importantly, if we don’t have a budget because of the political situation… not having a budget to which the various agencies can function and provide the necessary support, it kind of limits the scope of which we can really have meaningful dialogue”, he said.
Nevertheless, Fernandes said the Chamber remains active at this time. It is part of the COVID-19 Regional Health and Emergency Committee (RHEC) as well as the Private Sector Commission (PSC), among numerous other entities.
In moving forward, he expressed his hope that businesses will be able to secure the necessary help.
“What I would like to see is Linden be considered to be transformed. The future of Linden is in the hands of not only us as business people, but the powers that be, the authorities. We would like to see Linden become a more vibrant community, where we don’t find ourselves in a situation like we are in now, where our businesses are going through this experience. Many of our businesses are closed and cannot find the means of returning to being re-established unless they get support of some sort”, Fernandes said.