Hundreds of beachgoers turned up at Maracas Beach on Boxing Day to enjoy the water, sun, and the sand. The scent of burning rubber from the brakes of many cars mingled with the scent of frying foods on the approach to the beach.
Beaches were reopened on Monday last week after being closed for months as part of the public health regulations to deal with the spread of covid19. The opening hours are from 5 am to noon.
Many people went as parts of family groups – from babies to elderly, by themselves, with friends, or significant others. Some kicked footballs, played cricket, walked their dogs, ate ice-cream, or let their children bury them in sand. Others lay on blankets and beach chairs and soaked up the sun, and many took to the water to sit, swim, stand or play in the waves.
[caption id="attachment_931592" align="alignnone" width="1024"] These people enjoy the waves. - SUREASH CHOLAI[/caption]
Sara Persad, whose family came from Freeport, said they were there to take a break from the Christmas rush.
“It’s a break from the Christmas lime, the Christmas rush, shopping, all the liming and drinking we did yesterday. We just came to sober up before we have to go back to work.”
A beachgoer from Cunupia said she wasn’t really comfortable going into the water, but she was enjoying the sun and the breeze while her daughters enjoyed the water. She said her son was still looking for a place to park, as all available parking spots seemed to be filled.
Friends Sasha and Akila, Trinidadians who were on vacation from the US, were there with their families to get a sea bath.
“We were really excited when the beaches reopened because we're visiting from away so we were hoping it would open by the time we reached, and we were lucky that it did so we could get some sun and all that. We wish it could be open till 2 which is still early enough that you wouldn't get people liming or congregating. But we'll make do with what we've got.”
Both women said the covid19 cases in the cities where they live, New York and Washington DC respectively, were rising and, in the case of New York, lockdown measures were being implemented again, so they were grateful to be in Trinidad where it was warm, even though cases in TT are also high.
[caption id="attachment_931590" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Sandcastles are always fun to build as this family demonstrates at Maracas Beach on Sunday. - SUREASH CHOLAI[/caption]
Someone who gave his name only as Tony said he thought the beachgoing time should be from 6 am to 6 pm to give people time to come and go and also to allow vendors to make money.
“A vendor I know said he is hardly able to sell enough to break even and I’m sure that’s extending to people who are selling food and drinks, because the time is so short and during Christmas people also have their things to bring to the beach.
“The people who come to the beach will stay in their groups and observe social distancing. Coming to the beach will help to relieve some of the stress in the society. The sun is good for this co
