Don Foster's to close permanently

[mi000ke]

Wow - end of the year seems a little crazy?

In a vacation destination like GC, I would imagine that most small businesses will not be able to survive that long without tourism dollars? Even if they reopen for local business, do you think they can survive for that long?

Well, as the Premier says almost every day during his daily briefing, the island is putting life and health above shorter-term economics, while providing government support to those in need. And most experts believe that this is the best economic solution over the longer term.

The hope here is that at least the local economy can open up in a few weeks, and that may help some of the businesses to remain open. But supply and demand will eventually come into balance. And with the demand for tourism-related services like diving and restaurants severely reduced, I fear only a limited number of these businesses will be able to survive. There just aren't enough locals to support the number of dive shops and restaurants on the island.

What will be more interesting is whether and/or how the island can get back into the tourism business over the longer term (and this may also be an issue for many tourism locations around the world). The cruise industry probably will not be coming back to its former size given the heath risks, and that was a key source of revenue for a few of the dive shops (Don Fosters being one) and the portside souvenir shops and restaurants. And given how skittish the government is about letting anyone who may be infected into the country, it will be a challenge to open the country up to air traffic again. Maybe they will require one of those 5-minute on-site tests for all air passenger arrivals.

Meanwhile stay safe and hope for the best

 

[Ian Popple]

This is terrible news

 

[Sevenrider860]

Economists estimate between 1,000 to 5,000+ deaths in the US for every percentage point of yearly unemployment. If the US unemployment rate hits depression status, that would be 30,000 to 150,000 additional deaths per year in the US.

"Every one percent unemployment goes up, 40,000 people die"

That was a great line by Brad Pitt from the movie The Big Short, however actual non-fictional Research studies have shown that population mortality actually declines as unemployment rates increase.

How Is It Possible that Joblessness Could Kill You, But Recessions Could Be Good For Your Health? - DrexelNow

A really bad recession could be great for your health

 

[Joneill]

Well, as the Premier says almost every day during his daily briefing, the island is putting life and health above shorter-term economics, while providing government support to those in need. And most experts believe that this is the best economic solution over the longer term.

The hope here is that at least the local economy can open up in a few weeks, and that may help some of the businesses to remain open. But supply and demand will eventually come into balance. And with the demand for tourism-related services like diving and restaurants severely reduced, I fear only a limited number of these businesses will be able to survive. There just aren't enough locals to support the number of dive shops and restaurants on the island.

What will be more interesting is whether and/or how the island can get back into the tourism business over the longer term (and this may also be an issue for many tourism locations around the world). The cruise industry probably will not be coming back to its former size given the heath risks, and that was a key source of revenue for a few of the dive shops (Don Fosters being one) and the portside souvenir shops and restaurants. And given how skittish the government is about letting anyone who may be infected into the country, it will be a challenge to open the country up to air traffic again. Maybe they will require one of those 5-minute on-site tests for all air passenger arrivals.

Meanwhile stay safe and hope for the best

Definitely a tricky balance to avoid a point of no return to the economy for many. I do hope for the best outcome for the most - time will tell. Thanks and stay safe as well!

 

[Joneill]

"Every one percent unemployment goes up, 40,000 people die"

That was a great line by Brad Pitt from the movie The Big Short, however actual non-fictional Research studies have shown that population mortality actually declines as unemployment rates increase.

How Is It Possible that Joblessness Could Kill You, But Recessions Could Be Good For Your Health? - DrexelNow

A really bad recession could be great for your health

Mortality may not increase but misery sure will as qualilty of life will quickly go "down the tubes" for most if a paycheck is not coming in...

 

[diver0008]

Understandable how a small island would want to limit exposure to even one case of an infectious disease.
Perhaps the Chinese will swoop in after and buy up all the insolvency.
Wouldn't that be ironic.

 

[HalcyonDaze]

Interesting that the owner said they were struggling since Carnival canceled a contract in 2018 ... given that four years earlier Don Foster's blew the whistle on them for anchoring the Carnival Magic on the reef 1,000 ft from the shop. Tourist destination economics make for strange bedfellows indeed.

Government policy or not, I have a hard time seeing the cruise industry making a fast comeback after this. I don't think people will flock back onboard until widespread vaccinations happen.

 

[caydiver]

Calico Jack’s has announced that they are closing permanently. It has been on the cards but no doubt the current situation has moved up the date. Another special place bites the dust

 

[tkaelin]

Calico Jack’s has announced that they are closing permanently. It has been on the cards but no doubt the current situation has moved up the date. Another special place bites the dust

I liked it for what it was and the pan fried grouper was a bargain. I will miss it. More sad news.

 

[FindingMenno]

Calico Jack’s has announced that they are closing permanently. It has been on the cards but no doubt the current situation has moved up the date. Another special place bites the dust

That's another icon gone.... are they closing the current location but coming back at the planned Barker's location? Or closing for good?