North East Hamilton’s social problems must be tackled in tandem with promoting new businesses if it is to thrive again, according to Family Centre.

The charity’s executive president, Martha Dismont, described the area as a “microcosm” of the challenges faced by the country, adding: “Everyone else just does a good job of hiding these challenges.”

And Government today called for people from North East Hamilton to get in touch with ideas on how the area can be improved, as it continues working on a local plan.

The comments come after business owners spoke of the challenges they faced, with many calling for entertainment activities that can compare with Front Street’s popular Harbour Nights.

“The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation led by Erica Smith is making strong efforts to support the needs of residents and businesses in the area,” she said.

“First by asking for their feedback and input into the development of a vision for the area and, secondly, continuing as they have done under EEZA [Economic Empowerment Zones Agency], to provide assistance for businesses through ‘guaranteed’ loans.

“The area is somewhat depressed due to the struggles of the residents, families, and businesses.

“Many social concerns exist in the area so, of course, this will make it difficult for businesses to thrive and residents to feel pride in the area.”

Family Centre has spent the past four years working with residents, service providers and schools to tackle youth challenges and has established a core partnership group that meets monthly and has grown to include Workforce Development, Bermuda Housing, Bermuda Coalition, a Bermuda Police Service representative, the Bermuda Red Cross and a pastor.

“We have spent quite a bit of time walking the area, particularly the more residential areas behind Court St, to consider what residents need in order to better support themselves and their children,” Ms Dismont said.

“We have discovered the area is somewhat polarised and not everyone feels a part of everything, particularly in the more residential areas.

“We all know that many homes tend to be low-income homes, mixed in with residences that have existed in the area for many years.

“The area has a lot of camaraderie, so young people lacking education and skills, looking for a sense of belonging, may gravitate to the area.

“This area of Pembroke was also an area that many Bermudians were proud to be a part of in their childhood, and we believe residents are eager to get back this pride.

“Our country is as strong as our weakest link. Our weakest link are the residents, businesses and individuals who find themselves struggling in these conditions, and not just in North East Hamilton.

“To make improvements, we have to have adequate infrastructures in place to address the social and business problems presented, and to ensure that supports are available consistently.

“The North East Hamilton area will improve with dedicated and sustainable holistic focus on the challenges.”

Some businesses have stated they were not aware the authorities were holding a consultation process for the area’s local plan. In a press release issued today, the Planning Department pledged that it would continue searching for feedback throughout the summer.

Aideen Ratteray Pryse, the Director of Planning, said in a statement: “If you have not yet heard from the Department of Planning, please call 295 5151 x1245 or e-mail us at planNEH@gov.bm. We do want to listen to, and learn from, you.

“The Department of Planning seeks to create a plan that is developed with and supported by the community that it is intended to serve. The intent of the Plan will be to manage and facilitate development in accordance with the community’s vision.”

The Department of Planning held a series of events over May and June including hands-on workshops, presentations, and meetings in order to reach as many area stakeholders as possible.

Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy said: “While the initial consultation period concluded last week, and technical officers gained valuable information, the Department of Planning is aware that they have not reached everyone yet. Public input is crucial in creating a plan that responds to the needs of the community stakeholders and protects the unique heritage of the area.”

Also, in response to The Royal Gazette’s article, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) would like to encourage any NEH business owners requiring business advice to contact them at 292-5570. BEDC actively provides advice and support to NEH businesses facilitating client use of their financial and other products. BEDC’s Economic Development Officer visited 54 individual businesses between December 2014 and May 2015.

BEDC Finance Director Ray Jones said: “BEDC is committed to continue to work with the stakeholders, businesses, residents, and organisations in the NEH area.

“Since the dissolving of the Uptown Market Association (UMA) in NEH, BEDC has been working with other stakeholders in the NEH to advocate for their causes and to drive community events. For example, BEDC representatives sit on various Corporation of Hamilton committees aimed at helping to advocate for things in NEH.”

The BEDC would also said it would like to remind North East Hamilton stakeholders of some of the opportunities available to them.

One of these opportunities is the Uptown Market: a weekly vendor market launched in May 2015, based in NEH. Uptown Market is an initiative that was driven by stakeholders and businesses in the area and facilitated, in part, by the BEDC. It provides an opportunity for Business Owners/Vendors to sell their products and interact with residents and the community at large in a positive family setting to enjoy food, fun and local entertainment.

BEDC actively holds seminars and workshops in NEH, the most recent of which was the America’s Cup Road Show. BEDC encourages NEH businesses to check out their schedule of events on their website: www.bedc.bm.

In terms of the aesthetics of the area, BEDC continuously advocates for the undergrounding of overhead wires and physical revitalisation of NEH streets and sidewalks — most recently Princess Street, Court Street, Ewing Street. Also, BEDC actively promotes public art and murals in the area to further encourage its beautification.

BEDC is a partner with the Family Centre, PRIDE, Bermuda Police Service, and other key social service organisations to address the socio-economic issues in the zone.

Meanwhile, in terms of encouraging more businesses to locate to NEH, the BEDC actively links vacant available rental space with those looking to start businesses in that area.

“BEDC is actively working on establishing public transportation routes through the zone which will bring more people to the area and has already gone on a pilot run through NEH in this regard,” said Mr Jones. “BEDC is always looking for partners and stakeholders to work with us in improving the area — as it needs to be driven by the businesses and residents there. We will always support by way of resources or funds or both.”