The article details the frustrations of a businessman regarding restrictive banking measures in Trinidad that hinder foreign visitors’ access to funds. An example is provided of a Canadian woman who encountered difficulties cashing government cheques due to banking policies. The piece argues for necessary reforms to support tourism and enhance visitor experience.
In Trinidad, after 27 years in business, I have concluded that the PNM-led government lacks understanding of commerce. Recently, I encountered an issue related to the treatment of visitors that highlights this disconnect, reflecting a stance that is detrimental to tourism. For example, an elderly Canadian woman, who owns shares in a local company, faced significant challenges when trying to cash two government-issued cheques during her winter visit.
Despite her ownership of shares in the company and her endorsement of the cheques, the bank refused to allow the deposit into the company account unless the cheques were specifically made out to the company. This bureaucratic obstacle raises serious questions about visitor support during their stay in Trinidad. It appears there are no provisions to assist tourists in accessing funds, leaving them to navigate dire financial situations unassisted.
This issue points to a broader problem within the banking measures which seem overly restrictive. The absence of more accommodating systems for visitors reflects poorly on the country’s approach to tourism. Overall, such draconian policies must be revisited to facilitate better financial accessibility for foreign visitors.
In conclusion, the banking practices in Trinidad present significant barriers for visitors seeking to access funds, which adversely affects the tourism sector. The stringent rules enforced by the banks, combined with a lack of support for tourists, indicate a pressing need for policy review. Moving forward, it is essential for the government to address these issues to improve the visitor experience and engage positively with tourism.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
