The Huntums Ghut Entrepreneurial Zone with the refurbished basketball court in view. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

(L-R) Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Hon Dr Karl Dawson (R1), Premier Dr Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Hon Rye M. Rymer (R5), Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) take part in the official ribbon cutting of the Huntums Ghut Entrepreneurial Zone. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) said the opening of the Huntums Ghut Entrepreneurial Zone marks a new beginning for the people of these Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook

According to Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), the ground broke on this project on October 21, 2020, and the mission was to provide first-step and start-up businesses with a nurturing environment for development and growth with an ultimate goal of benefitting the local economy. 

Better late than never- Hon Rymer

The project, to the tune of one million, two hundred and two thousand, seven hundred and ninety-four dollars and six cents, boasts two two-storey buildings. 

One building measures 60 feet by 20 feet and will accommodate up to 14 businesses, while the second measures 70 feet by 20 feet and can accommodate twenty businesses.

“We say better late than never; it’s never too late to realise a vision, and today marks a new beginning for our people of these Virgin Islands,” Hon Rymer, the Fifth District Representative, told those in attendance at the short ceremony. 

The buildings, he added, have been durably designed and feature a concrete block reinforced lower level and a metal frame panel on the upper level. 

Apart from the buildings, the project also included the renovation of the existing bathroom facilities, construction of new road access and parking for vendors and customers as well as the revitalisation of the basketball court with new bleachers and services. 

Applications for spaces now open

Hon Rymer added that despite delays and challenges posed by the CVODI-19 pandemic and funding constraints, applications are now open to those seeking to have a space in the Entrepreneurial Zone. 

“This initiative is about empowering and opportunity for our people. We are offering a space for our entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses with the understanding that they will need to submit a solid business plan for selection,” he said. 

The dream, he said, is that the businesses that will take up residence in the zone will flourish and expand, paving the way for new entrepreneurs to come in with their ventures.

The ceremony was attended by several members of government including Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon Luce D. Hodge Smith (R4), and Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1).

Also in attendance was Opposition Member Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL).