North East Hamilton has been selected by Finance Minister Paula Cox to be the first Economic Empowerment Zone as an initiative to revitalise the City of Hamilton.

Launching the initiative yesterday at a press conference at Cabinet Office, Ms Cox said: ?We believe as outlined in the City of Hamilton Plan 2001 that the City must be revitalised as a vibrant, dynamic and liveable capital city.

?This comprehensive report states that residential development and the enhancement of the existing residential area must be encouraged and a plan to achieve economic and social regeneration of North East Hamilton.?

The Minister said Government owned several of the vacant or underutilised properties in the area and recognised that some of the homes and buildings in this area were in need of repair, remodelling and restoration.

The Economic Empowerment Zone is to be a vehicle created in collaboration with property and business owners, the Uptown Market Association, the Corporation of Hamilton, the Chamber of Commerce, the Bermuda Industrial Union and other Government ministries.

Ms Cox said Government has already provided support to this area when the Ministry of Tourism and Transport provided funding for the beautification project for businesses in Court Street.

?Al fresco dining, eclectic shopping and fun activities are the primary features of all vibrant cities and expanding North East Hamilton can provide more of this.?

She said Small Business Development Chairman Calvin Smith and General Manager Michelle Khaldun have attended several meetings with the Uptown Market Association to establish a clear understanding of what the business owners want for their commercial ventures.

Asked how the Government would deal with crime in the back of town Ms Cox responded: ?There is no quick solution to eradicate crime immediately, it will not be done by one entity.

?I think if anybody were to go to Court Street or the back of town area they will notice a shift, a change of atmosphere but its not yet where we want to go.

?Even though we highlight Court Street as the back of town I certainly wouldn?t want to leave the impression that?s the only area where you see drugs.?

Mr. Smith added: ?There is something very different happening in North Hamilton. The business and residential owners of the area have made up their minds that this (crime) is going to cease whether the rest of Bermuda gets involved or not.?