Although initially saying that they would be unable to operate without concessions, Caribbean Cinemas at the Giftland Mall and MovieTowne Guyana yesterday both announced plans to reopen.
The Giftland Mall on its Facebook page yesterday announced that the Caribbean Cinemas will be reopening on August 19. It also asked in advance that customers be in compliant with the COVID-19 regulations stipulated by the Ministry of Public Health.
When contacted, a representative from Giftland Mall told Stabroek News that officials are still in the planning stages but the intention is to reopen with all COVID-19 guidelines in place.
Meanwhile, MovieTowne Guyana Branch Manager Rochelle Parsram, during an interview, stated that the theater at the mall will be reopened in the new week.
While Parsram was unable to provide this newspaper with a specific date, she noted that preparations are being made to facilitate the reopening.
She explained that in light of the restriction of food concessions, no eating will be allowed in the theatres.
She noted that theatre officials are working to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 regulations.
She further explained that the company is working out the logistic for the reopening, in terms of getting movies back on the big screen.
Additionally, the Princess Movie Theaters also announced the re-opening of its cinema but Stabroek News was unable to speak with a representative.
The updated COVID-19 Emergency measures allowed for the reopening of cinemas this month but both Caribbean Cinemas and MovieTowne had announced that they would not be re-opening given the restriction on selling food and beverages.
Under the new guidelines gazette cinemas are allowed to operate at 40% capacity with fully vaccinated attendees who are required to be masked during screenings.
MovieTowne had said the decision to not allow the sale of food and drinks to patrons viewing movies made it “not economically viable to operate”.
“It is commendable of the Government of Guyana, along with the Ministry of Health and the National COVID-19 Task Force, to allow cinemas to reopen after 16 months of closure and MovieTowne appreciates the opening of 40% capacity for vaccinated persons. However, with the added restriction of no concession sales, it is unfortunately not economically viable to operate,” the notice states.
It is unclear what has changed since their initial announcement.
