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Contact: Michelle B. Khaldun PRESS RELEASE ~ for immediate release For the People Event Celebrates Progress of North East Hamilton Development SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 ~ Hamilton, Bermuda – Court Street came alive last week as hundreds gathered on Thursday for a special celebration. The Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) hosted a “For the People” event to celebrate progress of the North East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ). The celebration was held as part of the weekly Culture Fest event sponsored by the Uptown Market Association. Complimentary food and beverages were provided for Culture Fest attendees buffet-style from several of the area’s restaurants, including Caribbean Queen, Fish Hut, House of India, Jamaican Grill, Sung Sing and Upper Crust. Meanwhile, Fish & Tings catered to invited guests dining under a marquee mid-street as everyone enjoyed the sounds of The Unit, a local jazz band. Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, the Hon. Paula Cox, JP, MP, addressed the crowd emphasizing the importance of the progress being made in the EEZ. Premier Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown also shared his vision for turning Court Street into “our French Quarter” and the first steps to improving the streetscape. Honourees received awards for their hard work and dedication to the Economic Empowerment Zone. Among those receiving special mention were members of the Design Round Table, the group of design professionals responsible for developing the comprehensive Land Use Plan approved by Cabinet in July 2008, comprising: Henry Ming, Ashley Raynor, Michael Emery, Judith A. Welch, Erica R. Smith, Ari Ming, Danny Simmons, Elmore Warren, Steve Simons, Walter Brangman and John Bassett. Awards were also presented to BSBDC colleagues: Maryem Biadillah and William Spriggs; and select long-term residents who have helped to shape North East Hamilton: Molly Brown, Sheila Swan and Artie Black. “We are very thankful to everyone who has been instrumental in implementing change in North East Hamilton. The area residents, the business owners, everyone is making this happen,” said Michelle Khaldun, BSBDC General Manager. “To celebrate and show our appreciation, it is only fitting to have an event right here on Court Street, For the People.” About BSBDC BSBDC was established in 1981, funded by the government of Bermuda and capitalized by both the government and the local banks. Since then it has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs start and expand small and medium-sized businesses and achieve success. The key components of the BSBDC service are the provision of free technical business advice and information, and the provision of loan guarantees for those business owners who require collateral for business loans. In addition, the BSBDC is currently implementing three socio-economic initiatives, namely the Economic Empowerment Zone, the Small Business Construction Incubator, and the Free Market Vendors. -End- |
