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141 businesses receive grants from Trade Department since hurricanes

The Palm Grove Shopping Mall in the heart of Road Town was one of the many places of business ravaged by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria in September 2017. Photo: VINO
141 businesses have received funding from the Government of the Virgin Islands since the hurricanes of 2017, says Director of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs Karia J. Christopher. Photo: VINO/File
141 businesses have received funding from the Government of the Virgin Islands since the hurricanes of 2017, says Director of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs Karia J. Christopher. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - “We are pleased to report that we have distributed a first cohort for the grant programme, which is free money. To date, 141 recipients have received funding from the Government of the Virgin Islands — as much as $10,000,” said Director of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs Karia J. Christopher.

She made that announcement at a public consultation session last Friday January 12, 2018 for local entrepreneurs.

According to Mrs Christopher, the monetary assistance will go a far way for the more than 70 percent of local businesses as they were uninsured and experienced invaluable losses following the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Some of the businesses spared by Hurricane Irma were unfortunately looted.

Mrs Christopher said the funds are easy to access once applicants have a trade license that is up-to-date, and have no infractions recorded against their names.

She said persons with infractions can rectify same and apply for the grant.

More $$ to dole out

But there is even more money for business owners to access further assistance, especially when the government of the day rolls out a new loan programme through the Department of Trade, which will have the capability of lending up to $20,000 in the first instance.

“I can’t speak too much on that right now but we are saying it’s up to $20,000 in the first instance and that loan, obviously, is a soft loan programme that will have to be repaid but it is not fully formalised,” Mrs Christopher told business owners.

Following the passage of the two September hurricanes, the Department of Trade became a hub for businesses, providing free temporary space and giving them access to necessities such as computer access and internet.

The facilities are still available. “There’s a minimum of three hours that you could use. There is not a cap on how many days you can come,” Mrs Christopher said.

9 Responses to “141 businesses receive grants from Trade Department since hurricanes”

  • Spread the kindness (16/01/2018, 12:30) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Those businesses need to turn around and give us better prices. Notice I didn't say not make a profit just that we are not standing for some of the usual ridiculous prices.
  • VIP need not apply (16/01/2018, 13:05) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    I want to see the list
  • liberal (16/01/2018, 14:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow that's cool that the Government helping out.. But I asked a friend who told me his business was not informed of the grant programme. He's relocating his business since he received damage from Hurricane Irma!
    • Helpthem (16/01/2018, 16:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hope you friend go now to the department and apply for assistance as Mrs. Christopher.
  • Music (16/01/2018, 14:52) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    Very short sighted not to have insurance, it shoul be part of your overheads, the cost of doing business.
  • friends (16/01/2018, 15:26) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Nothing in this place is amount merits. All friends and associates.. Still better than doing nothing.. Do they ever invoke God in their decisions..
  • Yo (16/01/2018, 16:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tartman, mehson we hope you on the list since we saw you got mashup bad and have to setup somewhere and start over. Mrs. Christopher is he's a local entrepreneur and hope we have him on the list. If not get in touch with him.
  • Hmmmm (16/01/2018, 20:32) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    So how come you only hear about these things after the fact or did I miss the news flash? I guess its a friend tell a friend, tell a friend. There should be no friendship in trading and you know exactly what am talking about BUT God don't sleep. God is time.
  • Suzzane Joanna (18/01/2018, 02:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This site and the resources you provide is really nice keep it up. Essay Help



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