In April 2020, the Government of Trinidad & Tobago implemented the first of it's Covid response lockdowns. Initially meant for just two weeks in April, borders were closed, international flights stopped. Citizens made to stay home. All outdoor activities were banned. The streets, parks, and malls were empty. Trinidad's national capital Port-of-Spain turned into a ghost town.
On the first day of 'Two Week Lockdown' in April 2020, i walked around the deserted streets and parks of Port-of-Spain to photograph and document an event which would have a severe impact upon the country.
Camera : iPhone 5s
One of the cities busiest streets, devoid of traffic
A Port-of-Spain park is left empty
Western suburbs highway, empty.
Historic calypsonian Lord Kitchener socially distanced
By Mid May, the 'Two Week Lockdown' had already been a month. Thousands of people made unemployed, hundreds of businesses forced to shut their doors for good, massive rise in unemployment, poverty, and very little in the way of effective Government assistance. Schools were closed. Exams missed. Gyms shut down for good, their weights and equipment being sold on Facebook Marketplace for a fraction of the value. Bar owners and restaurateurs made bankrupt.
Camera : iPhone 5s
Normally filled and bustling food courts shut down
The entire Central Business District of the nation's capital, closed for business.
Shopping Malls. Ghosted.
At a crossroads of Port-of-Spain. Physically and metaphorically.
June 2020 and there was hope. Some draconian restrictions were lifted, those who still had jobs were allowed to go back to work. Although many business operations functioned at 'half mast', and Government departments ticked over on an even slower idle than usual.
Thousands however were not so lucky, having no job to return to. Landlords began evicting tenants who'd fallen months behind on rents. Across the city TO LET and FOR RENT signs began to appear.
Camera : iPhone 5s
The Queen's Park Savannah, where Trinidadians come to play cricket, rugby, soccer, jog, exercise, and fly kites, left desolate.
A Maxi/Taxi bus stop, busy pick up and drop off point where passengers traveling by public transport normally congregate.
Closed Bars.
In July, the Government announced a snap election. The week before that August election the Prime Minister specifically said the country would not go back into lockdown, as the economy simply could not take the hit. Within a few days of winning re-election, a U-Turn was made and the Government imposed a second lockdown. All be it not as severe as the first.
This time however, with the added restriction of mandatory wearing of masks. Police enforcing draconian new laws by ticketing persons not wearing masks, even whilst driving in their own cars.
Camera : iPhone 5s
Public exercise and social gatherings banned, but political rallies are allowed.
The phrase 'New Normal' is now common place. However, there is nothing 'normal' about any of this. It is not 'normal' for humans to isolate themselves, to avoid facial contact, to stand six feet apart, and not to shake hands, or hug, or socialize or greet each other warmly.
Camera : iPhone 5s
Shoppers obediently stand six feet apart in queues with conformity conditioning markers.
Homeless, Trinidad's most vulnerable, who's lives depend on the charity of passing commuters, receive no charity as commuters no longer pass by. Workers being forced to 'Stay Home' to 'save lives'.
Whatever one's opinion on the validity of social distancing, lockdowns, or masks, it can never be considered 'normal'.
To accept the phrase 'new normal' is to think of this situation as normal. To think of it as normal, is to believe it as being normal, and to believe it as normal, is to enact it as if normal. Even if we willingly comply with the restrictions, we should never accept the phrase 'New Normal' into our lexicon, our vocabulary, or thoughts.
Where the tongue directs, the mind follows.
This is NOT NORMAL.
Camera : iPhone 5s
Woodford Square, a public park, and location of Trinidad's "Woodford University" a traditional spot for soap box open public discourse, is locked. In it's way, preventing debate, the chains across the gate as symbolic as the 'mandatory mask' to cover your mouth censoring your voice.
Patients in need of treatment neglected as all non Covid health services put on hold
The Falls, a western suburbs shopping mall, switches of it's iconic fountain.