- 12 MAR 2020
Cabinet Suspends Cruise Ship Arrivals to Trinidad and Tobago
Cabinet has taken the decision to suspend all cruise ships from visiting Trinidad and Tobago. This is in response to the rapid global spread of COVID-19.
Minister of Health, the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh made the announcement today at the Post-Cabinet Media Conference held at the Diplomatic Center (Thursday 12th March 2020).
Minister Deyalsingh said to preserve this country’s health care system from imported cases, the Cabinet and the Inter-Ministerial Committee appointed to deal with public health concerns and emerging infectious diseases, agreed on the suspension.
“We took a Cabinet note today that was agreed, that for the rest of the Cruise Ship season which ends on April 24th we are suspending all cruise ships visits to Trinidad and Tobago.
This is going to affect 12 cruise ships for the rest of the season…Five to berth in Trinidad and seven in Tobago.”
He said the decision will, unfortunately, affect both the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Tourism.
In addressing the country’s level of preparedness, Minister Deyalsingh noted that two healthcare systems will be running in parallel, one for delivery of regular services and one to address COVID-19.
Minister of National Security, the Hon Stuart Young advised members of the public to exercise precautionary measures.
“What we are suggesting is that persons do not unnecessarily expose themselves to non-essential mass gatherings. There is no need at this stage to be taking risks.”
The Minister of National Security said the government will only authorise emergency travel for public workers and cautioned members of the public to limit themselves to essential and emergency travel.
