Support for Small Business Persons in South West St. Andrew

Twenty-two residents of South West St. Andrew have been given financial grants of $30,000 and upwards, to aid in the development of their small businesses.

The residents are engaged in a variety of ventures, from small grocery shops to carpentry, tailoring and fish vending.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, who presented the grants at the Office of the Prime Minister on April 3, urged the residents to make good use of the assistance.

“I am going to ask that you make good use of the support. It’s not big support, but it is some support, and if you are smart, you can turn it around and make it big,” Mrs. Simpson Miller said.

She encouraged them to be independent. “I don’t want you going around and begging anybody for anything when you can start your own thing. You can begin to grow your business, then nobody will be able to treat you in a particular way or look down on you,” she said.

The Prime Minister said she is trying to see how best to transform South West St. Andrew, noting that she is very proud of the number of students in high school and university who are being assisted, and how well they are doing.

Among those receiving grants was Oral Marshall, who buys and sells products to persons working in the food industry across the island. He expressed gratitude for the grant, noting that it will assist in replenishing his stock.

Twenty-two residents of South West St. Andrew have been given financial grants of $30,000 and upwards, to aid in the development of their small businesses.

The residents are engaged in a variety of ventures, from small grocery shops to carpentry, tailoring and fish vending.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, who presented the grants at the Office of the Prime Minister on April 3, urged the residents to make good use of the assistance.

“I am going to ask that you make good use of the support. It’s not big support, but it is some support, and if you are smart, you can turn it around and make it big,” Mrs. Simpson Miller said.

She encouraged them to be independent. “I don’t want you going around and begging anybody for anything when you can start your own thing. You can begin to grow your business, then nobody will be able to treat you in a particular way or look down on you,” she said.

The Prime Minister said she is trying to see how best to transform South West St. Andrew, noting that she is very proud of the number of students in high school and university who are being assisted, and how well they are doing.

Among those receiving grants was Oral Marshall, who buys and sells products to persons working in the food industry across the island. He expressed gratitude for the grant, noting that it will assist in replenishing his stock.

Pulling a hairnet from his pocket to show the type of products he sells, Mr. Marshall stated that: “I am going to buy some more goods to boost up my business… Lab coats, chef jackets, aprons, chef pants, everything for restaurants.”

Another small business operator, Pamella Branford, who has been in the business of selling bulk syrup, bulk wines, and bag juice for 15 years said: “I want to say thanks, because this will help me to build up the business better than it was before. I thank the Prime Minister and my Councillor… In these hard times I know it is very difficult and I am very grateful.”

Another resident, Albert Roach, who is in the grocery business, said the grant “will do a lot for me.”

Winsome McLean also has a grocery shop and is planning to expand the business. “I am feeling very happy and good for the first time and I thank our Prime Minister for the good she has done for me, so I can improve my little business,” she said.

The grants were made possible through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

By Andrea Braham, JIS Reporter