North East Hamilton is in the process of its long-awaited revitalisation — backed by a strategic design plan implemented through Government’s Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ) initiative.

Updating the country on its progress at a Court Street news conference yesterday, Deputy Premier Paula Cox revealed: “The EEZ has been activated! Businesses are sprucing up their premises, with Government itself contributing paint.

“Cabinet has approved the North East Hamilton EEZ and Use Strategy and Design Guidelines Plan that’s sure to ‘bring North East Hamilton to life.’”

The aim is to empower those that live, work and visit the EEZ as well as residents, property owners and the like, Ms Cox explained. She added: “Throughout the year I, as Minister of Finance, with responsibility for the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC), have sought to keep you abreast of progress made.

“The BSBDC commissioned the services of the Department of Statistics to conduct thorough surveys in the Zone, of both the establishments and the households.

“Continuing to work at invigorating the local economy in the EEZ, while expanding the economic pie to ensure that entrepreneurs are included and empowered, the Payroll Tax Act was recently amended.

“This was done to allow an unprecedented benefit to new small businesses in the Zone and they are now relieved from payroll tax liability for up to five periods.”

Recently, the Industrial Development Act 1968, now the EEZ, was amended to include the EEZ as an “approved scheme” in order to allow property owners to benefit from special concessions. They included; Customs Duties deferrals up to five years as well as long leases on certain forms of property development.

“Government is of the strong belief,” continued Ms Cox, “that a strong, sustained community empowerment endeavour cannot happen through the effort of Government alone.

“Accordingly, the Government provided funding in the amount of $250,000 each to the Uptown Market Association (UMA) and Youth on the Move (YOTM) to supplement their financing needs to progress their respective plans for the further development of the EEZ.”

BSBDC General Manager, Michelle Khaldun, told The Royal Gazette: “The BSBDC has been working closely with all the partners mentioned by the Minister.

“Along with the recommended land use and planning statement emanating from this plan, BSBDC is creating specific opportunities. They are tools that can be utilised by both the new and existing entrepreneurs to leverage themselves financially and management wise to create increased profitability and success.”

The announcement came after Elmore Warren, owner of the Fresh TV channel based on Court Street and the chairman of the UMA previously called on business and political leaders not to discount the area.

And Mr. Warren acknowledged particular areas such as Court Street faced the task of getting rid of what some perceive as a negative image that reflects of crime and drugs.

When contacted regarding Government’s upbeat campaign, Mr. Warren refused to speak to The Royal Gazette, but had stated in the past: “Crime is a national issue, and it has nothing to do with just Uptown.

“Your back yard is an area of crime dealing and drug selling. That’s an antiquated question today.”