MONDAY, JULY 30: The new St George’s Economic Empowerment Zone (SGEEZ) office was opened today.
Minister of Trade, Economy and Industry Patrice Minors opened the office alongside EEZA director Erica Smith and SGEEZ director Raymond Lambert.
The new office is an extension of the EEZ offices in Hamilton and St Georges and the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation.
Ms Minors said: “It is encouraging to see that many business owners in St George’s are capitalising on the untapped local market and creating business models that will allow them to serve a thriving local population as well as the visiting tourists.
“The SGEEZ recognises that this approach can help to ensure that more businesses succeed.
“What is even more encouraging is to know that the entrepreneurs in St Georges are not waiting on government but are empowering themselves with the recently formed, St George’s BDA, that is St. George’s Business Development Association.
“The organization is developing great plans for the various target markets to assist the town’s businesses to re-energise, re-vitalise and enhance the business activity in this beautiful historic, World Heritage Site.”
Ms Minors also explained Mr Lambert’s role in the office: “Mr Lambert has over 20 years of professional and entrepreneurial experience having most recently owned various entities such as Windjammer Sailing School, Windjammer Water Sports, and Windjammer Enterprises, and then successfully managed Snorkel Park.
“Having a great deal of experience in the marine industry, we believe he will be an asset for St George's as we look to leverage the asset of the waterfront and its marine opportunities.
“He will offer information on the process of setting up a business, work with community stakeholders, as well as offer information and support to those that live in the area through opportunities for property improvement and self development.”