Applications open for new entrepreneurial zone in Huntum’s Ghut
Fifth District Representative and Minister for Communication & Works Kye Rymer has announced that applications are now open for the newly established Entrepreneurial Zone in Huntum’s Ghut.
Speaking at the ceremonial opening on Thursday, February 27, Rymer stated that the facility is designed to support up to 34 new entrepreneurs in the community.
“We are offering a space for entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses, with the understanding that they will need to submit a solid business plan for selection,” Rymer said.
The two-storey facility features a 60-foot by 20-foot first floor that is able to accommodate up to 14 businesses, while the second floor, measuring 70 feet by 20 feet, can house up to 20 businesses.
Rymer emphasized that the spaces are meant as temporary incubators for new businesses before they expand into larger venues.
“These businesses will flourish and eventually grow, paving the way for new entrepreneurs to step in and create their own ventures,” he stated.
Boosting local entrepreneurship
Rymer highlighted the existing diversity of businesses in Huntum’s Ghut, including bars, restaurants, supermarkets, shoe repair shops, electronics stores, and rental companies.
“I encourage all applicants to embrace innovation and creativity in their business ideas, as a diverse range of offerings is essential for success,” he added.
While acknowledging the importance of foreign investment, Rymer stressed the need to invest in local talent.
“It is time we invest in our island’s greatest resource—our people,” he declared.
The structure was built with durability in mind, featuring a reinforced concrete lower level and a metal-frame upper level to ensure longevity.
Rymer also announced that renovations have been completed on the existing bathroom facilities, along with the development of new roadway access, parking areas for vendors and customers, and the refurbishment of the neighboring basketball court.
The total investment in the project stands at $1,202,794.06. Successful applicants will be required to pay a small user fee for maintenance.
Future expansion
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, who also attended the ceremony, stated that the establishment will serve as a model for future entrepreneurial zones across the territory.
The project, which broke ground in 2020, was a campaign promise made to the district. However, Rymer acknowledged that delays occurred due to changes in scope and budgetary constraints.
Reflecting on the initiative, Rymer noted back in 2020: “It has always bothered me when I hear that the BVI has a very high GDP and per capita income, yet some of our communities still struggle to put food on their tables. It’s as if we are living in a different universe.”
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That shed cost $1.2M???
The 1.2 Mil isn’t just for the “Shed”, it’s for the development of the whole park which is at least an acre in size!
The design of the Trellis Bay concrete box is catching on!
Roger ya ra**st. Go away now.
Why you gassing people up. Four years from project start. From three buildings to one. Really, what is the building setup to do? 34 entrepreneurs? I bet you don’t get 34 chairs in the building in 12 months. You guys pretending. It’s offensive. Rymer, you’re right, you all are living in a different universe.
$461 a square foot – well sah – some serious thiefing was done here. A new record!!!
You going too fast. Get water and roads sought out first..
at he tax money thieving goonk up head self nuh…
A total of 2600 sq ft for $1.2 million is $461 per sq ft . Some of these prices are more like high quality housing costs , not a metal uninsulated shed .
Now the government is in competition with landlords. Hotels have their own boats/buses, Government has their own shuttles/school buses. Charter Companies have their own shuttles/boats. Government now giving (not renting because nobody will pay..) space for businesses. You couldn’t make this s**t up even if you were high as a f**king kite!
One point two million,
Tax payers ripped off as usual.
Will be empty just like them building up aabove Long Bush hill.
1.2 million seems like a lot for an empty shell, a new ball court and a bathroom
Looks like a public toilet. Or maybe a Tardis. Bigger on the inside than the outside.
government always happy when they do somthing, even if it looks basic like this
If they are building rent free rooms they might as well put some government offices in them. They are trying to recoup some of the rent they are paying out while the admin complex looks like a junk yard, but I have news for them. That will be just like craft alive where people don’t pay rent. That money would have been better spent on the admin complex.
Just like Joe’s Hill Manor Estate, and the New Road Town Market Square, ill conceived, overpriced, and destined to remain empty.
That cost $ 1.2 million? Comes out to about $ 450 square foot. Pricey for what looks to be a prefab metal building with no HVAC. I bet there was never a plan, never a bid, not even a schedule of prices. Da is da price….let’s see how long the building lasts
IMHO if you want to invest in people, start with education (academic and vocational). It’s fine and dandy to build a place like this, as expensive as it was, but entrepreneurs need to be numerate. Yet fewer than 50% of students here cannot path CXC maths, which contains questions like: I buy 12 breadfruits at $1.25 each but need to make $ 10 profit, how much should I sell each for.
Approx 75 sqft of floor space each not allowing for any walkway’s door ways or partitioning security so in reality much less than 8ft x 8ft a bench and a chair power points or individual lighting marvelous genius at work again .
It’s as if we are living in a different universe is correct!!
The total investment in the project stands at $1,202,794.06 …Key are you serious????
I think an audit of this entire project is required.
How can anyone justify these costs when so many are struggling with basic needs in a supposedly advanced country???
im lost is this ish finished?? you have to partition deVide yourself what IS IT REALLY”?
The old must go home and rest, but the young obviously, contractors have no conscience and the Government who enables them think that they are playing with monopoly money. We are going to fall fast. Hold on people. The ride will be bumpy and scary.
Might as well they had build a concrete structure.
Then again, they might have to justify spending 5 million.
So, you build this for rent-free use, but don’t see the immediate need to build back the primary school?
Nonsense