Developer of Caribbean Cinemas South Park ten multiplex cinema, Joseph Rahael, has confirmed that the newly opened facility will remain closed over the weekend because the owners were unable to get a court licence to operate. In an interview, Rahael said, “It is unfortunate that the magistrates court was on strike again today so we could not get the licence.” “We will keep pushing in order to get it as soon as possible,” he added.
In the meantime, Rahael said, the police had restricted them from opening the multiplex cinema, which had been attracting hundreds of people. Rahael said bureaucratic delays in T&T were a deterrent to foreign investment. “We certainly need to take a look at the bureaucracy in getting the approvals so that it becomes a more streamlined process. If we can improve the process that will certainly benefit foreign investment and encourage them,” Rahael said.
Patrons heading to the $20 million Caribbean Cinemas South Park ten multiplex cinema were turned away for a second day yesterday. Acting mayor of San Fernando Junia Ragrello, who opened the cinema on Tuesday night, said it was regrettable that the public was being affected. He said the licence which was required by T&T was an outdated licence that pertained to film, not digital movies. He called on the authorities to address the matter immediately.
On Thursday, police and fire prevention officers shut down the ultra-modern multiplex saying it was not safe to operate as it did not have the necessary approvals. Senior Supt Cecil Santana said they would keep monitoring the facility to ensure that the licence was obtained before the cinema was opened to the public.