00:00If you were walking through or shopping in the city today, you may have noticed something a little different along the Brian Lara Promenade.
00:08The Port of Spain City Corporation hosted its annual Christmas in the Square event, but with a twist this year.
00:15Moving from Woodford Square to the Brian Lara Promenade to attract more food traffic and visibility for local vendors.
00:21The Promenade was transformed into a festive local wonderland filled with local vendors and live music, creating the perfect space for tourists and locals to come together and get into the Christmas spirit, all while supporting local businesses.
00:38Mayor of Port of Spain Chinua Allen says the move was strategic, aimed at boosting economic activity and revitalizing the capital.
00:46For visibility, we had the cruise ship schedule ahead of time and we thought that this would be better for the entrepreneurs, better for traffic for them, because we're supporting their economic development.
01:02And we are also making a really strong push at revitalizing the space, encouraging people to come back to downtown Port of Spain, come back to the Brian Lara Promenade.
01:12There's a lot that we have to offer in the city. City is open for business.
01:17He says the initiative is part of a wider effort by City Hall to build sustainable businesses in the capital.
01:23Well, we have a responsibility at City Hall for local economic development.
01:29We have a responsibility for ensuring that micro business grows into small business and eventually they can grow into large business.
01:35City police also say safety was a key focus throughout the event with officers deployed along the promenade.
01:42We have put things in place in terms of police officers along the road they'll be engaging in to ensure that there's safety.
01:51So far, so far, we had a cruise ship yesterday and today and we have incidents for it.
01:56Local artisan Anastasia Maxwell, owner of House of Anastasia, who sells and makes puncher crime, says she is grateful for the initiative.
02:04The idea that the city corporation has that is being brought to life today is a very good idea for all entrepreneurs, for locals as well and for the general public.
02:17It gives us an opportunity to showcase and sell our products.
02:22These products are handcrafted and these products are for the enjoyment of every citizen.
02:27The mayor says the corporation plans to continue hosting similar initiatives aimed at strengthening small businesses and encouraging more people to return to the capital.
02:38Charlotte Kisto, TV6 News.
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