If you want to know which Government institutions and businesses are opened to the public and where they are located, wonder no more!

The Government of the Virgin Islands now hasa ‘BVI Open for Business’ map that givesresidents and visitors information about businesses that are opened.

The map can be accessed through bvi.gov.vg or by visiting https://goo.gl/g1HRFc.

The ‘BVI Open for Business’ map was developed by the Town and Country Planning department to let everyone know which of their favourite businesses are opened and their locations.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE said the interactive map is an excellent development.

He said that a number of Government institutions and businesses have had to relocate since Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“This map is indeed a benefit to the public, businesses, and the world. People now have a central point to easily locate and access the relevant information about Government offices and local businessesthat are now operational.”

Chief Planner Mr. Gregory Adams said the user-friendly application includes the present location of businesses, contact details, their operating hours and virtual representation of the business location on a map.

He added that businesses that are currently operating and are not included on the map are encouraged to visit https://goo.gl/g1HRFc and enter their information so that people know where they are.

“Many businesses and Government offices have had to relocate and it has been very difficult for the public to keep up with the changes,” he said.

Mr. Adams, like Premier Smith is encouraging business ownersto populate the application with information about businesses thathave relocated post hurricanes Irma and Maria.

He added that the map is a crowd sourcing application, which is built on a platform that allows its users to populate as updated information becomes available.The detailed map also outlines the precise location based on the geographic and special arrangements of the businesses.

The Chief Planner explained that the application is easy to use and information users when making an input will click on the map to add their establishment, the app will sync with the GPS on their device, and three simple drop down menus will appear prompting the user to input the name, contact and operation hours of the business.

Mr. Adams further added, “The application serves as a convenient information source for users, businesses are able to advertise their services, which helpsthe economy by making information available for both residents and visitors so that they can patronise these businesses.”

The map is compatible with all electronic devices with location and GPS functions.

To access the BVI Open for Business application visithttps://goo.gl/g1HRFc.