Members of the government and the public attended the opening ceremony which took place shortly before the first customers were welcomed inside the establishment.

While thanking his management team, staff and customers who have supported his stores over the years, Vanterpool said his aim is to have supermarkets in many communities so customers can have easy access to goods; especially in times of disasters.

He said his new store location signals his faith in the BVI economy.

“I believe the BVI is going places in spite of all the difficulties, talks and issues we are having. The BVI has a bright future and we are prepared as a family to invest in the BVI,” Vanterpool said.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley who was present at the opening hailed Vanterpool as an inspiring businessman who continues to offer vital services to the community. He said the OneMart chain of stores inspires competition among other supermarkets and this is advantageous for consumers who benefit from lower prices.

“That’s why it’s important for Honourable Vanterpool to keep it up, go in every community, put on the pressure because we want to see the prices go down,” Premier Wheatley said. “We know it’s a difficult time with inflation but even when things are tough, Honourable Vanterpool is still investing. That speaks to not only the strength of the man as a businessman but the faith that he has in the economy of the BVI.”