Back online

Supermarkets are restarting operations today, but will not be allowing in-supermarket shopping.

The announcement came yesterday from Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw during a press conference at Ilaro Court, as she reiterated that it is not business as usual. Bradshaw disclosed that supermarkets will be allowed to operate between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., allowing Barbadians in urgent need of groceries to order them via websites, telephone call-in, WhatsApp or e-mail from the participating supermarkets.

She revealed that this “new regime”, which will run for the duration of the existing 24-hour curfew period, was agreed to after extensive discussions took place under her chairmanship between representatives of the Cabinet, the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) and the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), with input from Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

According to Bradshaw, the arrangement will be strictly enforced to ensure that there is no compromise of the protocols that have been put in place to halt the spread of COVID-19. She stated that given the fluidity of the situation, it will also be subject to constant review and changes will be made where necessary.

“Payment for these orders will be accepted through cash, debit or credit cards. All persons ordering groceries in this manner will have the option to collect their groceries in person, through curbside vehicle pickup, or home delivery. Where shoppers choose to pick up their orders in person, they will be given specific collection times to reduce the risk of large gatherings that would contravene the requirement for physical distancing,” she indicated.

However, the Acting Prime Minister is warning persons that there may be some delays in respect of fulfilling new orders in the initial stages, given that many of the retailers already have “a sizeable backlog of orders for delivery”. In that vein, she is appealing to those who have already purchased adequate provisions to be “reasonable” and “stand down” from grocery shopping right now, so that those who may not have had the resources or opportunity to stock up, can purchase their essentials.

Acting PM Bradshaw went on to reveal that in an effort to cater to everyone, a special regime has also been introduced to assist persons who cannot order by telephone or online. To facilitate that, she said Channell, Trimart, Popular, Savings Mart and Jordans supermarkets have come on board and put together pre-packaged baskets for such individuals. These baskets, she indicated, will be in values of $25, $50, $100 and $150 with the contents determined by the individual retailers, based on their analysis of the shopping patterns of their customers. She went on to assure persons that they will be able to see a list of items in each basket ahead of placing and paying for their orders on site.

Referring then to agriculture, Bradshaw stated that farmers will be facilitated through the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) for fresh fruits and vegetables; through the Barbados Egg and Poultry Producers’ Association for fresh eggs and poultry products; and through the Pig Farmers’ Association for fresh pork. She explained that there will be a procedure for ordering via dedicated landlines, mobile phones, e-mails and WhatsApp messaging; and curbside pickups will be in place at the Barbados Agricultural Society at The Grotto, the BADMC Fairy Valley and Springhall, and the car parks of Chickmont, Star Chick and Amir. She added that deliveries will be done for village shops, minimarts, supermarkets and for individuals for orders $30 and up.

Reflecting on the changes, Bradshaw said that the Government and its partners in the BPSA and the BCCI recognise that the walk-up approach will not necessarily enable the personal taste, brand choices, or even the shopping volumes which individuals or households might be accustomed to, and asked for understanding at this time. She made the point while noting that the primary goal is to make certain everyone has an adequate supply of what they need, while keeping the country safe by containing the spread of COVID-19.

“...We are trying to ensure that in as many situations as possible, that we cater to what it is that Barbadians need and not necessarily what they want at this time. It is not about luxury, it is about trying to still be able to get essential items to the average person who needs to be able to put food on their table,” she stated.

With that in mind, she is reminding shoppers whether they are placing walk-up orders for the pre-packaged baskets, or collecting telephone or online orders to observe physical distancing rules of a minimum of six feet behind the person in front of them. (JRT)