Briefly speaking to Virgin Islands News Online, Dr. Harrigan stated that she was pleased with the innovative ways booth owners used to attract potential new clients and customers to their respective trade.

The trade expo, which began on Friday October 28, wrapped up the following day – October 29 under the theme “Go Local”.

“It was very successful, and I have been told by many customers that they did not know what some of the businesses actually carried... it was very good, there was lots of positive energy,” she stated.

Furthermore, Dr. Harrigan commended a young lady who distributed coffee and pastries for her easygoing attitude and in light of this she was given the ‘sweetheart” award.

One hindrance though, the chairman added, was due to the other events that occurred over the week-end, the crowd was split. This, she explained, was unavoidable because the Expo was organised months in advance.

At the opening ceremony on Friday, Dr. Harrigan had implored the Premier to look into the cost of freight, customs duty and insurance because the cost of doing business in the VI is “tough”. She had also called for a stronger partnership between the public and private sector.

The Expo saw 31 booths set up and included Al’s Marine Ltd.; Peter Island Resort & Spa; H. Lavity Stoutt Community College; Burkes Garage Ltd.; Bella Blooms; BVICCHA; Green VI; Unique Surfaces Ltd.; Wellness Centre; Digicel; Myetts; Tortola General Services; LIME; National Parks Trust; Tropical Shipping; 1First Bank; Tortola Toastmasters Club; Parts and Power; Gift World/Virgin Voices; Caribbean Cellars; Carib Supply (Tortola) Limited; Lazarus Services Ltd.; ABC Plumbing Supplies & Services; Nail Bay Resort; Tortola Expres; Scrub Island Resort & Spa and Road Town Wholesale Trading Ltd.