Bar owner takes business to the street

Tanique Edwards has had to move her business to the sidewalk to make a sale. She has a bar but cannot open it, or else she could be locked up for breaching the Disaster Risk Management Act, the main legislative tool being used to fight COVID-19.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who represents Edwards' community of Olympic Gardens in the Parliament, said his Government will make an announcement soon on whether bars will be allowed to be reopened during the COVID-19 crisis. He, however, said that his administration is studying the impact of the lockdown measures on bars.

"We are very sympathetic to that situation," Holness said, adding that there are an estimated 10,000 bars operating in the island. "In a few days, we should be able to say to the public exactly what measures we can take."

Possible reopening

Edwards, like many bar operators, cannot wait for an announcement for the possible reopening of her establishment. She has had to improvise to gain income. She has an offering of popcorn, snacks and an igloo of drinks for regular customers and passers-by.

"Me nuh have nothing at all! I have to do what I have to do. Me affi take out the things dem outa the bar and pack them outside. Me do this and try get some different items fi try and hustle," Edwards told THE STAR.

The mother says she is desperately fighting to stay afloat during this crisis for her family. In her care are two children and a senior citizen.

"I have two children and my 90-year-old grand-aunt. She turned 90 in April and a me responsible for her. Me no mek she come outside ... She stay inside and she no come out none at all. She complain and wah come out, but she cannot come out. She affi stay inside because me nah go can manage har if she get that virus and get sick. That woulda be problem pon problem," she said.

"Me wash me hands as often as possible and my children have to do the same thing. Plus, me have me spray bottle wid alcohol in it and me wipe the door knobs regular."

Edwards says despite moving the business to the sidewalk, business is still sluggish. However, she holds that 'little bit is better than none at all'.

"Yuh know, it nuh really a work more than so. Things still kinda slow, but me still afi try one two because bills have to pay and children have to feed. This is my only source of income. I don't have anything else. When the bars were closed, I just had to find a way to survive," she related.

One community member couldn't help but share her empathy for Edwards.

"Me feel fi har. A these things mek we nuh want the country fi lock dung. If that gwane she nah go can outside wid the likkle things dem a juggle. Some people just don't have it like that fi just listen to everything weh the government dem a seh," the resident said.