by Linda Straker
- Lockdown had significant financial loss for both private and public sectors
- On 5 May, Grenada 2020 carnival celebrations cancelled
- Carnival Monday and Tuesday cancelled as public holidays
The cancellation of Spicemas 2020 has also resulted in the cancellation of the days observed as carnival Monday and Tuesday as public holidays.
“We can’t have it because if we do, if you have a holiday what are you going to do, just sit home…a lot of people will, in fact, use it to feel it’s a holiday let’s have fun and not necessarily within the confines of the Covid protocol we have established,” Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell said as he confirmed that 10 and 11 August 2020 are no longer public holidays as gazetted at the start of 2020.
“We better be safe than sorry,” he said as he justified the cancellation. “We have seen enough holidays, we have had to lock down this country for almost 3 months…we have to get back to business, get back to some form of serious economic life in the country,” he said.
Pointing out that the lockdown from late March to mid-May which was done to protect the country from having an outbreak of Covid-19 is having significant financial loss for both the private and public sectors, Prime Minister Mitchell said that government has suffered enormous loss of revenue.
“We cannot continue that mindset of free time. I don’t think it’s right. I don’t enjoy telling people that we have to forego the Monday holiday half-day Tuesday, but hopefully next year we going to have a bumper time,” he said. “Hopefully by the time the vaccine comes on stream and we can protect ourselves, we will be much safer. I believe that we are sacrificing today for a more successful 2021.”
On 5 May 2020, Grenada officially announced the cancellation of 2020 carnival celebrations saying citing it is the type of event that can give rise to a second wave of Covid-19 infections which could further impact the country. “Grenada, like the rest of the world is dealing with the wide-ranging effects of Covid-19, not only on public health and the local economy but also our way of life. While great effort has been made by the local authorities to manage the spread of this disease, an event, the size and nature of our carnival can give rise to the often-touted “second wave” of Covid-19 and further impact the lives and livelihoods of Grenadians,” the Spicemas Corporation said in a news release.
At the time, the country was in total lockdown and had closed its borders. However, the country reopened its borders on 15 July for commercial passenger traffic within Caricom and charter flights from international markets.
As of 1 August 2020, Grenada’s international airport will be resuming scheduled regular flights.
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This is outrageous and disrespectful to what Carnival means. Culture, heritage and traditions from generations before us. This just goes to show the Uncle Tom mentality is pervasive. This to me is a mental and psychological beat down on us as a people. While many folks are risking their lives protesting and fighting against oppression and discrimination, the Grenadian government see it fit cancel a significant holiday. If this was done by a white government there would screams of discrimination against those who celebrate Carnival.
While alcohol, wine and junk are associated with Carnival there is no excuse not recognized the significance of Carnival. If we can’t acknowledge and respect our own culture how do we expect others to do it for us.
Some kind of online/virtual Carnival should be promoted instead of just shutting it down..
This is so disrespectful to our culture and heritage.
Stop being selfish and personal over this many of us spent alot of time at home this year.. Lets start working on building back our country.
It a good move for ppl who don’t listen but not everyone celebrates carnival.tgere are lots of religion that don’t support carnival but uses the holidays for there purpose. So does that mean everyone in d same bag?
O my Grenadians get a life. What this about holiday. No carnival that’s it. O please hive me a break.
So why not take two days vacation and have the same fun that you planned?
Well what is this. So Peter pay for Paul and Paul pay for all. I am not a Carnival attendee. I look forward to the long weekend to rest and to spend quality time with my family doing things that is not customary.. a small group hike or weekend getaway.
So irresponsible Grenadians had their fete on bathway and I have to pay for it.
Has the Prime Minister really thought this through?
All these hotels with staycation offers…. it was my intention to take advantage of La Luna’s offer this said Carnival weekend especially since I don’t have much vacation days. So now I can’t do that….. what about support for the same economy Mr. PM? I am sure I am not the only Grenadian who had said staycation plans that weekend.
So again, responsible tax payers who work hard can’t get a break and the limers once again keep causing problems… so they had their “fun” and me who work my as off hard can’t go now and have a relaxing time while supporting the local hospitality sector which is must needed at this time.
Setups.
I am really upset about this.
Me too! It’s my birthday and I planned a nice staycation for it with my family but can’t now because it will be a working day. So I lose and the hotel loses. I’m sure that’s what many would have done for Carnival weekend. I understand not having Carnival but to lose the Monday holiday is a real shame.
I think this is the right approach at this time because Grenada don’t have a lit of money to assist it’s people at this time so this is one I’d the steps needed .
I belive it is the right thing to shut the carnival down , but you can still give our people the two days to rest especially the first responders they all need a time off they deserve it