People are today being given the chance to discuss plans to revitalise an area of the City of Hamilton. This evening will be the first round of public consultation over the North East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone, organised by the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC).

The scheme is intended to reawaken the entrepreneurial spirit which once thrived in the area. People are encouraged to attend New Testament Church of God, on the corner of Union Street and Dundonald Street, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., when they will be able to discuss draft guidelines which have been drawn up.

"We would like to invite all property and business owners, as well as residents of North East Hamilton, to attend this session," said BSBDC general manager Michelle Khaldun.

"It is vital to the success of this initiative that all stakeholders be involved in the process of developing the Economic Empowerment Zone.

"The Economic Empowerment Zone is about providing opportunity for Bermudians to prosper. This is a joint initiative that will include both the public and private sectors."