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In the Zone
July 1, 2008
Volume 1, Issue 2 EZ Walks … Press Captures Events
Inside this issue: Thousands of people on a economic potential that
daily basis drive through each zone faces. The zones
the towns of Christiansted, were at one time vibrant
Interview with the 2
Frederiksted and Savanne living and working commu‐
and never actually see the nities, and the EZ is striving
Citizen’s take action 3
historic, architectural and to bring back that vitality to
economic significance of these areas.
Christiansted & Sa- 3
what they are passing. The
vanne surveys begins In attendance were mem‐
Enterprise Zone Commis‐ bers of the stakeholder or‐
EZ applies for Red 4 sion, along with stake‐ ganizations, Senators of the
holders St. Croix Founda‐ toric towns of Christiansted, 27th Legislature and/or their
VI Heritage Museum 4 tion, Our Town Frederiksted, Frederiksted and Savanne. representatives, EDA Board
Foundation Frederiksted Economic De‐ These walks were led by Members, the media (The
velopment Association, VI
Blighted Properties 5 native sons and local histori‐ Virgin Islands Daily News, The
Heritage Museum Founda‐ ans Mr. Gerville Larsen in St. Croix Avis, TV2, WSTX Ra‐
Out of the Past/Into 8 tion and We Saveneros, Inc., Christiansted, Attorney dio, The St. Croix Source and
the Future:: Farrelly’s decided that we needed to Wayne James in Frederik‐ St. Thomas Source) and
take a “Cultural and Eco‐
Are EZ Companies in 9 sted and Mr. Felipe Ayala in other members of the Com‐
Compliance? nomic Development Walk” Savanne. munity.
through these communities.
In Our Community: 10 The purpose of the tour was On each walk, we toured
Ann Abrahamsen EZ conducted three success‐ to enlighten the community
ful walks through our his‐ (Continue on page 10)
about the challenges and
EZ Appreciates: Sean 11
From the Desk of the Editor Interview with the CEO:
Percival E. Clouden
First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to
all for the kind words of praise and encourage‐
ment regarding the inaugural issue of In the Zone. EZ member, Kizzy Moscoso, interviewed
It seems that the second edition is always harder Percival E. Clouden, CEO of the Eco‐
than the first, because you have to make it better nomic Development Authority, on what
than the first. EZ will continue to strive to provide his thoughts and ideas are for the Eco‐
solid information about the zones. We have been nomic Development Authority.
busy this quarter, and as a result, the newsletter Q. Since you became the Chief Executive
has expanded to 12 pages packed, hopefully, with Officer of the Economic Development
useful information for you. Authority, what have you contributed to
Public Safety & Crime Prevention is the second make the EDA a successful agency?
goal in the EZ Strategic Plan (page 2). It not only A. I have worked with the Board and
speaks to crime but also to the issues of health & staff to focus on the collections of delin‐
safety. This issue of In the Zone features public, quent loans through the lending and
private and non profit organizations and individu‐ legal staff. The processing of EDC appli‐
als in the community that are involved in public cations from the date of receipt to approval by the Governor of the
safety and crime prevention. As Mario Moorehead
Virgin Islands, an 85‐90 day completion deadline date for all new appli‐
says, “One –one fills the basket.”
cations. Regular meetings with Managers and staff to keep them
Learn how neighbors take public safety & crime abreast of new and existing issues and to get suggestions to improve
prevention into their hands in the right way (on processes.
page 3) and how you can take action too. In Our
Q. What accomplishments have you seen from last fiscal year to this
Community (on page 10) features Mrs. Ann E.
fiscal year for the EZ Commission?
Abramson and EZ Appreciates (on page 11) con‐
gratulates Sean Brown of the Department of Pub‐ A. I have not seen offhand what occurred in the past, being that I came
lic Works. Both columns discuss how Ms. Abram‐ aboard on October 1, 2008. I have however, been involved in numerous
son and Mr. Brown are contributing to public activities that the
safety & crime prevention. I have heard on many (Continue on page 9)
occasions that if we could clean up the abandoned
properties we will have accomplished a great feat.
It’s not that easy. Check out Issues Corner (on Strategic Plan: Public Safety & Crime
page 5) for a story on blighted properties. Along Prevention
with my all‐time favorite, the Picture Reel (page 5‐
6), this issue features two new columns, which are
The EZ 5‐year strategic plan requires that the Commission creates an
also favorites called Out of the Past and Into the
environment safe for businesses and residents in which to work and
Future (page 8) about a special house in Frederik‐
play. To accomplish this, EZ will work to publicize outreach programs
sted.
available to at‐risk youth, the homeless and residents in general. EZ is
Finally, special thanks to native sons Gerville Lar‐ also tasked in working with the proper authorities to remove chronic
sen, Wayne James and Felipe Ayala for leading our and violent street criminals and eliminate drug sales from the Zone by
Cultural and Economic Development Walk, along strengthening EZ’s relationship with the neighborhood, DPNR, Health,
wth the St. Croix Avis, Virgin Islands Daily News, WAPA and the Fire Department to decrease areas of criminal activity.
TV2, WSTX Radio, and the St. Croix, and St. Thomas EZ is utilizing alternative tools to assist with law enforcement by devel‐
Source for telling the story our precious communi‐ oping a neighborhood watch program and business watch program to
ties. eliminate crime.
N. Marchena Kean
In the Zone In the Zone 3
Taskforce: Citizens take action on public safety
The phone rings at the EZ offices and on the other line is a concerned citizen. One of the
buildings on her unoccupied property in the zone recently had a fire due to squatters
breaking into her property and using drug paraphernalia and candles for lighting. They
had brought garbage (mattresses, humans waste, etc.) into her property. She was con‐
cerned about the safety of her neighbors. Another concerned citizen stopped an EZ
specialist out in the field and inquired about a foul odor in a gut which had stagnant
standing water. Patrons of two nearby restaurant pass over the gut on a daily basis to
get into the restaurants. She was concerned about health issues regarding the restau‐
rants and the safety of kids who might end up playing in the water.
EZ took action. A call was made to taskforce members that are responsible for dealing
with these issues. The Department of Health (DOH), Fire Department and DPNR’s State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) came together to do an inspection of the property.
This resulted in the DOH & Fire issuing a letter stating that the buildings were unfit for
human habitation due to increasing fire hazards, lack of sanitary facilities and vagrants
occupying the buildings. Additionally, the collection of rainwater created breeding ground
for mosquitoes, rodents, flies and other feral animals. The buildings which were deemed
dangerous and detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the residents in the area,
were recommended for demolition. The owner was advised by the SHPO officer that the
next step would be to present a request, using the DOH and Fire letters and the petition
signed by the neighbors to the Historic Preservation Committee to allow the demolition to
proceed.
In the case of the stagnant water in the gut, the Office of the Governor’s Administrator,
Office, DOH and the Department of Public Works are working to locate the source of the
problem and deal with it before it becomes a larger public health issue.
If you have you have similar issues, take action and call the appropriate government en‐
tity. We are here to serve.
Surveys of Christiansted & Savanne
In order to assist the towns of Christiansted and Savanne to develop community plans, EZ
has undertaken the gathering of information about the towns in the form of a survey.
The Enterprise Zone Commission is currently conducting surveys on several streets in the
towns of Christiansted and Savanne. The purpose of these surveys is to accurately iden‐
tify the owners, addresses and current status of the properties. Information from the
Office of the Lieutenant Governor enables us to fill out part of the surveys. EZ will go into
the field, contact the owners of the properties and get more information to further com‐
plete the surveys.
Surveys on several streets have already started. In Savanne, streets like Regjerings Gade,
Gamle Gade, and General Gade are 60% completed. In Christiansted, Hill Street, Queen
Cross Street, Fisher Street, New Street and East Streets are 50% completed. For more
information, call EZ at 774‐8104.
4 In the Zone Volume 1, Issue 2
Benefits to You: “Red Roof” Stakeholder:
Project VI Heritage Museum Foundation
The Enterprise Zone The VI Heritage Mu‐
Commission is request‐ seum Foundation is one
ing funding assistance of the Enterprise Zone
from the VI State His‐ Commission stake‐
toric Preservation to holders.
fund a grant for a bricks Mr. David Blyden, Presi‐
and mortar project dent, and Mrs. Priscilla
called the Red Roof Stridiron, Vice‐
Project. The project President, of the organi‐
would entail painting zation have been instru‐
the roofs of the buildings located in the EZ areas of Frederik‐ mental in mobilizing
sted, Christiansted and Savanne in the traditional red color. people in the Savanne
It is typical of the types of projects funded by the state His‐ Enterprise Zone area. It was Mr. Blyden’s idea to start
toric Preservation Office. the church leadership group. He was aware of various
It is hoped, if funded, that residents would apply. Paint will outreach programs that the churches had for at‐risk
be donated and contractors will actually do the work. We youth and the homeless and thought this would be key
will keep you updated on this grant request. The “Red Roof” to public safety and crime prevention. Mrs. Stridiron
project seeks to restore the historic characteristics that has graciously found space for Savanne community
were once prevalent in these historic communities. This meetings. The organization has also hosted guest re‐
project will not only work towards enhancing the general questing tours of the neighborhood. This year the or‐
appearance of the community but will also enrich the tourist ganization plans to open a Virgin Islands history mu‐
value of the town. seum offering cultural tours that will exemplify life in
the VI, especially as it was in Savanne.
Inside the EDA: Economic Development Commission
The EDC Continues to put forth ef‐ ing and shared access, security, web‐ of operation.
forts to strengthen its internal opera‐ site redesign and relaunch and many Interim marketing efforts are under‐
tions and share its message with the other technology upgrades to in‐ way to ensure that our message is
rest of the world. Despite a weak‐ crease service delivery level, account‐ disseminated locally and abroad.
ened economy, continuing IRS issues, ability and efficiency.
a backlog of pending actions and sev‐ EDC benefits are also available to
EDC compliance staff received na‐ small businesses in the Virgin Islands
eral attempts by local legislators to tional certification. EDC staff has im‐
modify the program, the EDC has through the small business program.
plemented an ongoing beneficiary It requires a minimum of two em‐
pressed on with efforts to build qual‐ visitation program to provide higher
ity into its product and team effort. ployees and at least $20,000 in capi‐
visibility and accessibility to benefici‐ tal investment. The benefits include
The following is a listing of efforts aries.
undertaken during the past six 90% exemption in income tax, 100%
months: A comprehensive RFP was published exemption on gross receipt and
for the creation of a Strategic & Mar‐ property taxes. If you have any
EDC has implemented agency‐wide keting Plan as well as for Cost Benefit questions, call the EDC at 340‐773‐
technology upgrades to include docu‐ Analysis. Additional staff members 6499.
mentation handling, email, network were hired to assist in critical areas
In the Zone In the Zone 5
Issues Corner: Blighted Properties
It has been said many times that there should be a law against people who allow their
properties to become hazardous to others. The truth is that there are at least seven
( 7) government departments and/or agencies that are involved, one way or another,
in dealing with blight. They include the Departments of Health, Public Works, Fire,
Police, Planning and Natural Resources together with the divisions of Historic Preser‐
vation & Building Codes and the semi autonomous agencies of Housing Finance Au‐
thority and Economic Development Authority’s Enterprise Zone division. The ques‐
tions are: 1. Who is responsible for allowing blight to happen? 2. What can you do if
your neighbors property is blighted? 3. Why do we still have blight? 4. And what is be‐
ing done about it?
Who is responsible for allowing blight to happen?
Everyone. Even if you don't contribute to it, if you saw it happening and did nothing
about it, you have become responsible.
What c
What can you do if your neighbors’ property is blighted? an you do
Get inv to help
olved! ?
There are several avenues you can take. Try to contact the owner of the property to nity g Join y
roup our co
see if he/she can clean and properly secure the property. If this does not work, try the consis to org mmu‐
tent c anize
how t leanup m ore
following procedure: o pro s. Fin
perly d out
house board
1. If you believe it is a fire, safety or health hazard, call the Fire, Police or Health De‐ neighb
and
talk up a
partment. They will do an inspection and make a finding which will be forwarded ors ab to y
ning. out e our
state
to the Commissioner of Public Works , or plan‐
2. You can send a petition signed by 25 neighbors of the blighted property to the
Commissioner of Public Works who, will hold a public hearing to determine if the
property is fit for human habitation. If he so finds it, he will inform the property
owner of the corrective action that must be taken. If the owner does not re‐
spond, then the Commissioner can take corrective action.
HOWEVER, if the blighted property is in the historic district, before most work can be
done, the property owner must first check with and file an application with the His‐
toric Preservation Committee. Once approved, the owner can get a permit from
DPNR to demolish the building.
Why do we still have blight?
Often there is an absentee property owners. This contributes to the blight of many
properties that are in the historic district.
What is being done about it?
Governor John deJongh has had several meetings with EZ stakeholders and is cur‐
rently researching how he can rectify this issue. Senator Liston Davis is also working
on legislation that will deal with the issues that have been brought to light .
6 In the Zone July 1, 2008
EL
E RE
TU R
P IC
In the Zone In the Zone 7
Picture Reel Thoughts
• One One fills the basket.
• People make things happen.
• Hard work & perseverance
leads to success.
8 In the Zone Volume 1, Issue 2
Out of the Past: #2 Market Street Into the Future: #2 Market Street
Frederiksted Frederiksted
Alexander Farrelly was about 10 years of age Whenever tours are given of market street, guides
when the family moved from Estate Carlton speak of #2 Market Street with fondness as a home
to Frederiksted. It was exciting because that was a nurturing place … a place where people
had hope and could imagine the future.
Frederiksted was alive with activity. There
was St. Patricks where he attended school Currently, however ,the property has fallen into dis‐
and the field where he would practice base‐ repair. It has long since been abandoned and now a
tree surrounded by walls rises where the home once
ball.
stood.
No. 2 Market Street was a focal point for Our Town Frederiksted, an EZ Stakeholder has proposed
lots of activity as it was positioned right that this property, in honor of Governor Farrelly, be
at the corner of Market and Princes turned into the VI Science & History Center.
Street. On the first floor was a grocery In the Center, young people would be able to experience
store, barber shop and a one room apart‐ a hurricane, earthquake, tsunami or tornado and find out
ment. The Farrelly family lived upstairs in the science behind what causes these natural occur‐
a home big enough to fit all six children. rences. Visitors will also be able to look and
The yard was used by the future Gover‐ touch bones and see brain matter and get a real
nor to practice boxing. He probably played the understanding of archeology and anatomy. All
exhibits will be accompanied by information on
trumpet there too as he listen to music from
local history.
the Thomas’ next door.
From a nurturing home to a place to nurture young
No. 2 Market Street was the childhood home of minds , the Science & History Center is a fitting
Governor Alexander Farrelly who served as Gov‐ future for this home that nurtured future Gover‐
ernor from 1987 to 1995. nor. Out of the Past , Into the Future.
EZ Meets the Public: Open house & Small Business Week
The Enterprise Zone held an Open Small Business Agency & Small Busi‐
presented on behalf of the Small
House on Carnival Fair Day, April 23, ness Development Center Small Busi‐ Business Development Agency and
2008. The open house was to inform ness Week Conference that was held Government Development Bank.
the Savanne community, business on all three islands. Small Business
Ms. Joy Penn, Compliance Officer
and home owners that have prop‐ Week gives business owners and and Ms. Esther Joseph spoke on
erty in Savanne, that are in blight or persons that want to start a business
behalf of the Economic Develop‐
distressed, can rehabilitate their the opportunity to learn how to go‐ ment Commission and Ms. Nadine
property and can get tax benefits for ing about doing so. Marchena Kean, Director spoke on
it. This open house was significant
The EDA provided information to the behalf of the Enterprise Zone Com‐
because it offered property owners public about the guidelines and pro‐ mission.
who live away but who came home cedures on how to apply for loans, There is an open house planned in
for Carnival to find out more about
tax benefits and tax credits. Each St. Croix in the near future. If you
EZ tax credits. Division spoke on the law and Rules would like to know more about any
On the week of May 29, 2008 the & Regulations (the Do’s and Don’ts) of these programs, please call the
Enterprise Zone participated in the of their program. EDA at 714‐1700.
Economic Development Authority Ms. Carolyn Henry, Senior Loan Offi‐
(EDA), (SBDC) sponsored cer and Mr. Wayne Biggs, Director,
In the Zone In the Zone 9
Are EZ Beneficiaries in Compliance?
This quarter EZ focused on reviewing the compliance of its Beneficiaries. The compliance team in‐
cluded Teresa Vanterpool and Sean Krigger of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) along
with EZ Specialists Cusa Holloway and Raheem Smith.
The team members from the SHPO office are checking the Beneficiaries’ compliance with the historic
rehabilitation as permitted by their office. The EZ team members are checking the Beneficiaries’
compliance with EZ law. It includes maintaining a valid business license with EZ, investing at least
$10,000 in business or building, being a resident of the Virgin Islands, being the actual investor, meet‐
ing standards of ecological compatibility established by Federal and Territorial law, employing at
least two (2) residents of the VI and complying with Federal and Territorial laws. Additionally an ac‐
tual cost benefit analysis is being conducted for each beneficiary to determine whether the program
is working.
Currently we have a total of eleven (11) beneficiaries participating in the program, nine (9) on St.
Croix (seven (7) in Christiansted and two (2) in Frederiksted) and two (2) on St. Thomas (Savanne).
The Beneficiaries engage in different activities such as space rentals (5), a laundry, bakery, guest‐
house and law firms (2).
This was the first time that a compliance audit had been conducted in this relatively young program.
This means however that the team needed to go back several years to determine compliance. The
Enterprise Zone Specialists has performed audits on nine (9) of the beneficiaries thus far and plan to
complete the remaining compliance reports by the end of July 2008. Then the following questions
can be answered: Are the EZ Beneficiaries in compliance? And does the EZ program really work?
Follow‐up: CDBG Continued from page 2:CEO Interviewed
EZ has conducted: The Cultural Economic Walk for Christian‐
The Enterprise Zone Commission is still awaiting in an‐
sted and Frederiksted, the public hearing for the Commu‐
ticipation of the response from CDBG on the grant re‐
nity Development Block Grant, and other events. The En‐
quest application submitted in Community Develop‐
terprise Zone became more active and the agency has very
ment Block Grant Program regarding the status and
good leadership.
staff recommendations on the “Reshape our Street‐
scape” and “Scrape, Paint and Rejuvenate” program Q. What are your short and long term goals for the EDA?
proposal. A. My short‐term goal is to obtain a larger and better facil‐
ity to accommodate staff and clients, ie., adequate parking.
The CDBG staffs recommendations has been forwarded
My intermediate goals for the next 3‐5 years are: 1) To bring
to the Governor of the Virgin Islands for his review. The
self sufficiency to the agency. 2) Recognize the human re‐
Governor’s recommendation will be forwarded to the
source is one of our most valuable assets in order for the
Legislature and the Senate will hold a public hearing to entity to be successful, therefore we must motivate our
consider the recommendation and make determination employees. 3) I am a strong believer of small businesses
as to which organization will be granted funding. flourishing in the territory, and it will be in the authority’s
The CDBG has until August 15th to submit the Senates mission to see that they grow and succeed by providing
determination to Region II headquarters for funding. If capital and training needs.
you would like to help us help you, please call your fa‐ (Continue on page 10)
vorite senator in support of the project.
10 In the Zone July 1, 2008
Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1
EZ Walks ... Office of the Delegate
historic landmarks and identified homes and build‐ Attorney Modeste sug‐
ings that were in desperate need of repairs. gested perhaps separate
The walks highlighted four main issues facing these legislation for the Terri‐
communities: tory might be the answer
to attaining the same
1. The proliferation of noise from certain establish‐ benefits as being feder‐
ments that stunts the growth of the community. ally designated as an
2. Lack of knowledge being passed on to younger empowerment zone/
generations that lead to a non‐caring attitude and a enterprise community.
lack of pride in their neighborhoods. EZ looks forward to working with the Governor
and the Office of the Delegate to achieve this goal.
3. Lack of estate planning. There are properties
which have multiple owners that can’t come to a
consensus on how the property should be handled. Continued from Page 9
4. Lack of funds to fix these aging buildings. CEO interviewed
Recognition and action on the issues will help bring
We need to grow our Economic Development Com‐
vitality back to the communities. They will again be
mission portfolio through marketing nationally and
bustling with activity and inviting to locals and tour‐
internationally. EDA is now embarking on both a stra‐
ists alike.
tegic plan and cost benefit analysis to be used by the
Authority. The latter will enable us to analyze the cost
and benefits of the EDC program in the territory and
accurately allow us to make more informed decisions.
In Our Community: Ann Elizabeth Christian Abramson
Ann Elizabeth Christian Abramson Archie Alexander to compete the unex‐
was born April 7, 1924 as the last of pired term of Senator John D. Merwin.
Her final position in government was
15 children to Peter and Whilhemina
that as Commissioner of Public Works.
Christian. Upon graduation from
St. Patrick’s Catholic School in 1941, In addition, to her private and public
sector involvement, Ms. Abramson was
she went to work for the former
also active in civic and community affairs.
Department of Welfare in Frederik‐ She was the founder of the USO‐St. Croix
sted as an executive secretary. Chapter, past President of the St. Croix
An advocate for advancing oneself Chamber of Commerce, active member
of the Business and Professional
by using one’s skills to earn extra
Women’s Organization, Member of the
income, Ms. Abramson became the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix and sev‐
first female taxi driver in the Virgin Properties, Inc.; Spic and Span eral other groups.
Islands to actually own her own taxi Laundry, Inc.; The Children’s
service, which has blossomed over World; and Tranberg Tour and Mrs. Abramson has worked to assisting
EZ with community aesthetics beautify‐
the years to the very successful Ann Travel, Inc.
ing the town of Frederiksted and with
E. Abramson Enterprises, a school Ms. Abramson has also served in our goal of education, job training and
bus transportation company. key public service positions, com‐ entrepreneurship by offering a building
mencing in 1958 when she was she owns for an incubator Entrepreneur‐
Some of her other successful busi‐ ship program. She is a star in our pro‐
ness ventures included Hannah rest tapped by appointed Governor
gram.
In the Zone 3 11
Calendar of Events
July 2008 August 2008 September 2008
1 EZ Board Meeting 5 EZ Board Meeting 8 Poster Contest Announce‐
7 EZ St. Croix office relocates 12 Savanne Community Meeting ment
to the 1st floor of the EDA 9 EZ Board Meeting
office. EZ publically thanks
15 Frederiksted Open House &
Federiksted Economic Devel‐
Block Party 20 Savanne Block Party
opment Association for the
use of their offices. 19 Savanne Church Meeting
23 Christiansted
Community 25 Estate Planning Training
Meeting 29 Stakeholder (Fundraiser)
24 Our Town Frederiksted hosting
30 Look Forward for 3rd Quarter
a luncheon with the Governor. 30 Survey of Christiansted & Sa‐ EZ Newsletter!
Open to the Public. Call OTF vanne complete
for more information.
EZ Appreciates: Shawn Brown of the Department of Public Works
Shawn Brown has been employed role In the maintenance of our roads
with the Department of Public Works and highways. The Commissioner of
from June 5, 2006. Public Works, Darryl A. Smalls stated
Shawn is the Enterprise Zone ‘s con‐ that “Shawn is a very knowledgeable,
tact in the neighborhood of Savanne. efficient and responsible to assigned
He knows the history, people and job duties. He has built a reputation of
challenges that the neighborhood being dedicated and dependable, and
faces. his commitment to his Department is
In EZ’s two first initiatives in Savanne, an immeasurable asset.”
Commissioner of Public Works Darryl Shawn has directed several residents
Smalls was called to assist. On both of Savanne to the Enterprise Zone to
occasions (one on a weekend) without hesitation the seek assistance.
Commissioner called his man in the field Shawn Always on call , always available and always willing to
Brown. “He’ll be able to evaluate and resolve the is‐ provide a helping hand to the people of Savanne
sue,” the Commissioner stated. Indeed both issues earns Shawn Brown the EZA Award for this quarter.
were resolved within two days.
We appreciate you Shawn!!!!!!!!!
As a Project Supervisor, Shawn plays an important
EDA Governing Board: Chairman Albert Bryan, Jr., Vice
Economic Development Authority Chairman Nathan Simmonds, Secretary Lynn Millin‐Maduro,
Enterprise Zone Commission Members Randolph Allen, John Lewis, Jose A. Penn and
Henry Smith, PhD.
EZ Committee: Chairman Jose A. Penn, Vice Chairman
1050 Norre Gade # 5, St. Thomas, VI 00802 Henry Smith, PhD., Secretary Lynn Millin‐Maduro, Members
Phone: 340‐774‐8104 Randolph Allen and Albert Bryan, Jr.
Fax: 340‐774‐8106
Staff: Percival E. Clouden, Chief Executive Officer, EDA,
We’re on the Web: Nadine T. Marchena Kean, Director, EZ and Members Cusa
Holloway, Kizzy Moscoso and Raheem Smith.
www.USVIEDA.ORG
Mandate
Title 29 VIC Chapter 19 section 1002 states that the intent of this agency is “to provide the necessary means to assist local
communities, their residents, and the private sector in creating the proper economic and social environment to induce the
investment of private resources in productive business enterprises located in severely distressed Enterprise Zone areas and
to provide jobs for the residents of such areas. In achieving this objective, the territory will seek to provide appropriate in‐
vestments, tax benefits, and regulatory relief of sufficient importance to encourage the business community to commit its
financial participation.” The laws additionally states that the intent is to accomplish these goals by “removing unnecessary
governmental regulatory barriers to economic growth, and to provide tax incentives and economic development program
benefits.”