Hon Rymer said the initiative is a way to make the people of the Fifth Electoral district feel ‘empowered.’

The Economic Zone will have three warehouses; each will have space for six businesses.

It will be located near to the Huntums Ghut Basketball court.

“With this investment, we are adding to the development of our community because our community will now have an economic zone that will now bring a host of commercial businesses that will bring goods and services closer to your door and very important it will bring jobs and offer spin-off economic activities for the people of the community,” he said on Monday, October 19, 2020, during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Be creative!

Hon Rymer said while the community has many types of businesses, persons interested in capitalising on the opportunity must be creative.

“You have to be innovative and creative with your business ideas. If everyone is in the same business, then it’s tougher to succeed. You need to differentiate your business, and we are aiming for a diversified mixture of businesses and offerings.

I want to be clear, this first step programme for entrepreneurs is not a handout, but a step up. That is why there are conditions attached to these spaces, such as a qualification process for applicants and a user fee. This is about helping people to become empowered,” he added.

In the meantime, the minister said, there will be a mini library and a food pantry for residents in need.

Several ministers of government, including Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL), and Premier and Minister for Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) gave remarks commending Hon Rymer on the initiative.