Mayor of Port of Spain, Chinua Alleyne, is encouraging the public to visit the capital and enjoy all that the city has to offer this Christmas.
The “Christmas in D Square” market opened at its new home on the Brian Lara Promenade earlier on Tuesday.
Now in its third year, the market continues to provide a vital platform for small and micro business owners during the holiday season.
This year, the event has shifted from Woodford Square to the busy Brian Lara Promenade.
The Port of Spain Mayor said the move supports a wider plan to revitalise the city centre, and the new location opens the door to greater opportunities for vendors and visitors alike.
“We also have two cruise ships that have docked at the Port of Port of Spain today, so we have several visitors that are walking through the promenade and experiencing all that Trinidad and Tobago and Port of Spain has to offer. We are out here supporting them and supporting our entrepreneurs.”
The initiative is being hosted in partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, aligning with their “Twelve Days of Christmas” observance.
The Mayor said the establishment of the new police post on the Brian Lara Promenade is part of a strategic effort to rebuild public confidence and encourage shoppers to return to the capital.
“We expect that over the course of the next few days the amount of foot traffic will increase, that is our expectation. I believe that is what happened last Christmas season, and we continue to support the business community in any way that we can.”
Vendors said the heightened police presence gives them peace of mind, while visitors described the sense of safety as reassuring.
One cruise ship visitor, Ian, said: “The Trinidad and Tobago hospitality is great. I’m surprised at the safe level of the society here. It’s safe, it’s secure, it’s fun, and very enjoyable for a Canadian, American, Westerner to come here.”
The Christmas in D Square market runs until Saturday, December 20th.