Eight businesspersons today, Friday, September 11, 2026, were presented with their unit keys as the first set of entrepreneurs to occupy the Entrepreneurial Zone in Huntums Ghut. Photo: VINO

Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) gives remarks at the Key Giving Ceremony in Huntums Ghut. Photo: VINO

Minister for Communications and Works, and Fifth District Representative, Hon Kye M. Rymer, right, and Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), left, at the Key Giving Ceremony for the Entrepreneurial Zone in Huntums Ghut. Photo: VINO

The Entrepreneurial Zone, an incubator for start-ups and emerging businesses, is the first of its kind in the Virgin Islands and a promise delivered by Fifth District Representative Hon Kye M. Rymer. Photo: VINO

The Entrepreneurial Zone, an incubator for start-ups and emerging businesses, is the first of its kind in the Virgin Islands and a promise delivered by Fifth District Representative Hon Kye M. Rymer, who is also the Minister for Communications and Works.

Nine businesspersons have been approved to occupy units at the Entrepreneurial Zone; however, only eight were present at the Key Giving Ceremony in Huntums Ghut.

1^st beneficiaries of Entrepreneurial Zone

The eight receiving their keys were Niasha Benjaman (Fiesta Gifts & Event Supplies), Rudolph Lewis (Lifeline Transport Services), Alisma Wheatley, Darwin R. Scatliffe (Caribbean Corner Market), Khadija Sampson (Smart & Glam Braider), Reanyke Garraway (Island Suppliers 284), Shamahnea Simmons (Eclipse Gloss), and Akeem Legair (Fragrance Oasis VI). Lisa Smith (Suds N Tings) is the ninth person approved.

The successful applicants were required to present a comprehensive business plan that clearly explained their business idea, how the operation would generate revenue and how it could grow.

The selected businesspersons will be able to operate from the incubator for a period of two to four years while working with the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs to strengthen their business operations and prepare for the wider commercial market.

Among those giving remarks were Hon Rymer; Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL); Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Mrs Natalie J. Fahie-Smith; and Deputy Director of the Department of Trade, Investment, Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Dr Lincoln E. Bobb.

Also present were Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9); and Junior Minister for Culture & Tourism, Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4).