The tradition of ringing in the New Year with a bang is fading with many preferring to have a quiet night at home with family. With not one Happy New Year hat or banner on display, store owners, street vendors and consumers are all saying the same thing—there will be no big celebrations this year. The Guardian took to the streets of San Fernando to find out what preparations were being put in place for the start of 2015 in the Southland.
However, the streets were mostly clear, with stores empty for the most part, despite discount prices and sales. President of the San Fernando Business Association, Daphne Bartlett, said the lack of a festive spirit was evident as consumers have begun to wise up about falling oil prices. “Sales are still down, people are shopping cautiously now as they have become aware of the falling oil and gas prices,” said Bartlett.
“Consumers are holding on to their cash, even though most stores still have unusually high discounts.” She said business owners would now have to find ways to improve their practices including embracing technology. “Its not all doom and gloom, once you can diversify your business you will survive. Putting part of your business online could be a viable option.” She called on government to move decisively to diversify the economy as well. Street vendors also complained of slow sales.
Celebrating at home
The Guardian spoke to people on the street to find out how they would be bringing in the new year. Shenelle Dabreau, from Princes Town, said she would treasure the time with her family, even though there would be no big celebration. Fareed Hosein, of South Oropouche said he was looking forward to spending the night with his children at church.
Contractor Alana Goodridge-George, expressed her wish for 2015. “I am hoping for work. I run my own business and government is not giving out contracts like they used to. I hope it picks up because if it doesn’t, I’ll have to start letting go employees.”
Animals Alive on fireworks
Vice president of Animals Alive, Jowelle De Souza, expressed hope that the tradition of bursting fireworks is a dying culture. “I think the public is becoming more aware and much more concerned of the effects fireworks have on our pets,” she said. De Souza offered up some advice to pet owners to keep their pets calm during noisy fireworks displays. “Keep your pets indoors and it helps to turn on the television really loud, so they don’t get too scared by the noises.”