Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley has said that the opening of the Road Town Market Square will be instrumental for the Territory’s economic growth and development.

Premier Wheatley remarked that entrepreneurship avenues, especially for the youth, have been generated through this project. Facilitating these opportunities is in keeping with the Government’s legislative agenda to maximise the economic output of the Virgin Islands.

In addition, Premier Wheatley stated the Virgin Islands’ food security efforts will be improved through greater accessibility to locally provided goods and services in a regulated commercial space. This will ensure that the consumption and production of local food is promoted.

“I am quite pleased as the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries to see these entrepreneurs here being able to sell their produce,” Premier Wheatley said.

Honourable Wheatley also stated that the newly remodeled Road Town Market Square has stimulated employment opportunities for present and future generations of entrepreneurs. Relatedly, he commented that the Government of the Virgin Islands will continue to make meaningful contributions towards safeguarding the public’s social and economic wellbeing.

Premier Wheatley mentioned that a wide cross-section of consumers, artisans, manufacturers, and producers will now benefit from a designated physical location. He stated that, “We are going to celebrate this, and we are going to move forward to other projects where we can advance the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands.”

The Premier has previously mentioned that based on the current economic strategy that is being employed by the government, in addition to global economic indicators, the Virgin Islands economy is projected to experience 2.9% growth during 2023. The Road Town Market Square will contribute to enhancing the economic capabilities of the Territory to ensure that the economic growth target is achieved.

Dr. the Honourable Wheatley, who is also the Minister for Tourism, commented that the Market Square, which is a signature government project, will serve as a display of Virgin Islands talent and culture for visitors.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to providing entrepreneurship opportunities and facilitating economic innovation through investment and business development support.