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Step out in Faith: O’Neal family opens The Food Store

- Hon. Fraser asks public to give Pockwood Pond a chance
Zubida O'Neal at the cashier's counter of the O'Neal's family Store - The Food Store, located in the R & R Malone Complex in Pockwood Pond. Photo: VINO
Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser is appealing to the public to give Pockwood Pond a chance.
Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser is appealing to the public to give Pockwood Pond a chance.
Irene Penn-O'Neal and her daughter Zubida O'Neal cut the ribbon to open their family store.
Irene Penn-O'Neal and her daughter Zubida O'Neal cut the ribbon to open their family store.
A family checking out The Food Store this morning after it was opened to the public.
A family checking out The Food Store this morning after it was opened to the public.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – In what was described as a much needed relief to the Pockwood Pond area, The Food Store was officially opened this morning February 3, 2012 at the R & R Malone Complex.

Leeann Forbes, who works at the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) located in the complex, said it’s a good feeling as there is no place to get lunch and or even breakfast in the area and she was looking forward to being a regular customer of the store.

Her sentiments were expressed by other workers from DMV and other workers from around the area who were busy purchasing their lunches today with many expressing satisfaction with the quality of food being sold.

Several first time customers were also very pleased with the prices and variety of products in the store with one stating, “This was needed here a long time”, and another added, “I don’t have to drive to town now once they keep this up.”

The Food Store which is owned by the O’Neal family is a convenience store and deli which stocks a variety of products at reasonable prices.

According to Irene Penn-O Neal, former At-Large representative of the Virgin Islands under the Virgin Islands Party ticket, the store is a family business which is opened with mixed emotions as the family step out in faith.

“We the O’Neal family has begun a venture this morning to step out in faith and trusting that God has brought us this far and I know my God will take us further,” said Mrs. Penn O’Neal who thanked everyone for the role they played in helping her to get the store to where it was to be opened.

The businesswoman had thanks foremost to God stating that without him nothing was possible. She also thanked National Bank of the Virgin Islands who was her lending institution.

Mrs. O’Neal, who resides in the 3rd district where her business is located, said the “little district” is developing and she is proud to be part of that development.

Give Pockwood Pond a Chance

District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser RA who was among the guests at the ceremony said he will “encourage everyone he comes in contact with to give Pockwood Pond a chance”.

The former Communications and Works Minister congratulated the O’Neal family for taking the initiative to set up the business in their district.

Hon. Fraser noted that a year ago the Department of Motor Vehicle was moved to the area and he was pleased with Government’s initiative for other districts to develop financially.

He also saw the need for a parts store and insurance store in the complex which will attract customers, citing the location of the DMV there.

24 Responses to “Step out in Faith: O’Neal family opens The Food Store ”

  • Trouble maker (03/02/2012, 15:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wasn't Zubida in the news recently?
    • circle (03/02/2012, 18:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      stop the hate and filled with jealousy what the hell this have to do with this very good project done by the parents...ayo to damm hateful and nasty...but your turn will come
    • My Humble Opinion (03/02/2012, 20:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What year are you living in? that was 2011 this is 2012 MOVE THE HELL ON!!!! FOR GOD SAKES and what if she was in the news, and she's in it now at least she's getting recognition whether good or bad, can you say the same? Rubbish!!!
      • big mistake (05/02/2012, 23:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        deeds sick NDP paid blogers still trying to start things but the lady daughter. Mrs. O'neal I big you up on your store...I can tell you one thing the people of this country regret that we voted for Myron and Archeee over you..two dam island men oily doing and chatting fart....
  • billy b (03/02/2012, 15:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is what one term in government gives you. Let me see if any of the Loyalists going to come on and talk bout that!!! Great job, keep it green, I aint gonna hate. But let it be Alvera coming out with a restuarant in 2015, yuh will hear the chorus. Zuzu, stay out of trouble and stay occupied.
    • school children (03/02/2012, 20:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      we heard that they're trying to kick larry out of the complex to put in emmet
  • Best wishes (03/02/2012, 15:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Best wishes to the O'Neal family in your business venture. I trust that you will do well.
  • shila (03/02/2012, 15:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    tis such ah wonderful iniatives..go Irene...we putting you back 2016
    • Real good news (04/02/2012, 11:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      this is good news, i live Pockwood Pond and I'm glad to have a grocery store where I don't have to drive into town or sea cows bay per say...Kudus Hon. Penn Oneal!
  • God is in the blessing business (03/02/2012, 15:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    O'neal family I am here to sow love and I pray God will continue to bless you. He is the only one who can open doors despite what people may say and think. Be Blessed and continue being a great example of a family who sticks together no matter what... Blessings...
  • needed (03/02/2012, 16:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is very much needed big ups to the Oneals.
  • xray (03/02/2012, 18:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    good job to irere penn o'neal the people of this country certainly miss you from the house of assembly..god speed 2015 is around dey conner
  • tola (03/02/2012, 20:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ohhhh this good news ms oneal I miss u in hoa but u will be back green all the way
  • chris fraser (03/02/2012, 21:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    big up
  • Skeptic (04/02/2012, 08:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Isn't there another Grocery store in that same location.... and Whats up with all that green...... Party supporters only?  
    • good to great (04/02/2012, 21:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      for god sake the colour green was around before the party you people sick sick sick. congrats Ms. O'nela on my way home to carrot bay i will always stop and lend my support to your store...
  • JTV (04/02/2012, 10:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    All the best Mrs. O’Neal you have done well for yourself. Unlike some of them you do not have to depend on politics. Your store has our full sport. God bless!
  • Dickson Igwe (04/02/2012, 22:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can't wait to taste the food- I am certain it will be very tasty- congrats- Pockwood Pond dearly needs this-
    • haven here I come (05/02/2012, 11:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      i second the motion. i am so happy for Irene and the family..the people really treated you bad you deserved to be in we legislative Council for all the help you have help people in this place...your reward will be in heaven sister.
  • move on.com (04/02/2012, 23:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Frazer looking good...getting ready to be the leader of the opposition!
    • DOG FIGHT (06/02/2012, 17:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      now do not go there 'move on .com' before Alvin and fahie get a fet!!!
  • lola pop (05/02/2012, 13:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    any job vacancies?
  • .... (21/02/2012, 07:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Zubida is a very geogous young lady. As I would say everyone deserves a 2 chance and we have all done someTHing in our lifetime we are not proud about! nO ONE PERFECT! even myself, however its nice to see her supporting the family business.


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