St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – October 30, 2024 – The Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) successfully hosted its first-ever Southshore Trade Zone (SSTZ) Investor Roundtable from October 23-25, 2024. It helped gather 12 key business investors at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal conference room in St. Croix.
The event highlighted investment opportunities and strategies for bringing economic development to the SSTZ, which is a designated special economic zone aimed at spurring growth in the Territory.
The three-day event featured discussions, networking opportunities, and site visits. The main purpose was to attract investment to the SSTZ and showcase its potential to drive job creation and economic expansion.
The SSTZ spans over 300 acres of greenfield space and offers many infrastructure benefits. The key perks include utilities (electric, water, sewer, fiber optics, and telephone), deep-water ports, and warehouse space. All are strategically located at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. The SSTZ program is administered by VIEDA’s Enterprise Zone Commission (EZC).
VIEDA CEO Wayne L. Biggs, Jr. shared, “The goal of the SSTZ Investor Roundtable was to attract investment into the Zone, create job opportunities, and promote economic development, particularly on St. Croix. Together with our partners from the Virgin Islands Port Authority, Renaissance Park, and OCO Global, we are working to make the SSTZ an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand or relocate to the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The roundtable attracted a diverse group of investors representing different industries. The investors are from aquaculture, research and development, defense, and corporate risk management Industries. Rum manufacturing and food manufacturing are also there. The participating investors had the opportunity to explore the advantages of the SSTZ and the resources available to businesses that choose to set up operations there.
Nadine Marchena Kean, Director of the Enterprise Zone Commission, emphasized, “We wanted to provide our investors with a thorough experience, giving them a deeper understanding of the business opportunities available within the SSTZ while also introducing them to our unique USVI culture. The collaboration with the Governor’s Office, VIPA, other government agencies, and private sector partners made this roundtable a true success.”
Governor’s Reception – October 23, 2024
The event kicked off with a reception hosted by Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., where attendees were welcomed and given an overview of the SSTZ’s history and goals. VIEDA CEO Wayne Biggs, Jr. shared insights into the program’s objectives.
Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr. spoke about the legislative efforts that created the SSTZ. Guests also had the chance to meet the first approved applicant of the SSTZ Program, In the Mix Cakery, LLC, a St. Croix-based business. The reception featured local cultural music and entertainment, including performances by local dancers. It was providing a taste of the island’s vibrant culture.
SSTZ Investor Roundtable Panel Discussions & News Conference – October 24, 2024
The roundtable featured expert-led panel discussions on key topics, including agribusiness and renewable energy. Light manufacturing and workforce development were also on the list of topics. Panelists also discussed regulatory support for investors, commercial property opportunities, and infrastructure development within the SSTZ.
Following the panel discussions, a news conference was held with Governor Bryan, VIEDA CEO Biggs, and Senate President Francis, who updated the public on the progress and goals of the SSTZ program.
SSTZ Investor Roundtable Tour – October 24, 2024
Investors took part in a guided tour of key industrial and commercial sites within the SSTZ, including stops at the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Port, the Transshipment Center, and the Gordon A. Finch Molasses Pier. They also visited clients at the William D. Roebuck Industrial Park, such as Leatherback Brewery, to see firsthand how businesses are thriving within the SSTZ framework.
VIEDA remains committed to driving economic growth and job creation in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The success of the inaugural SSTZ Investor Roundtable is a promising step toward that goal. By attracting investment and expanding opportunities for local businesses, VIEDA is working to ensure a bright future for the Territory’s economy.
To learn more about the Southshore Trade Zone, visit the SSTZ webpage [here]. For further inquiries or to request more information, please contact VIED at [email protected].
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