Small and medium enterprises that were significantly affected by the passing of the tropical wave on August 7 are the focus of an outreach programme.

Officers of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotions and Consumer Affairs recently commenced site visits to the affected businesses to gain an assessment of damages and remedial costs, impact sustained to structures, equipment, furniture and surrounding environment and other issues arising from the flooding.

Director, Mrs. Karia Christopher said, “The outreach programme will enable the department to suggest remedies such as proper disposal of items, store layout and proper clean-up methods to those affected businesses in the Road Town area.”

“The information gathered throughout this exercise will be compiled into a comprehensive report which will provide a comparison of the number of businesses affected and those which sustained little to no damages. The findings of the report will also help to better prepare the country in moving forward”, the Director added.

Mrs. Christopher further encouraged business persons to participate in the ongoing outreach programme by completing the physical assessment forms being distributed.

The Department of Trade, Investment Promotions and Consumer Affairs remains committed to facilitating the development and growth of the BVI businesses environment, by helping businesses to realise their full potential, through the establishment and management of programmes and networks that provide information, education, training, finance and other assistance, in order to foster sustained economic development in the BVI.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is working expeditiously to restore the community to its normal state, and encourages everyone to unite and be of support to each other during this time of recovery. Standing Strong. We are #OneBVI.