Avellon Williams
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS- Neville ‘Sheep’ Smith, territorial at-large representative and Deputy Speaker, has encouraged residents to support small businesses since big businesses bank elsewhere, among other things.
In the House of Assembly (HOA), Smith was debating the Business Licensing Act, which was later passed unanimously.
“What I’d like to do is encourage everyone in the BVI [that] you must always support the local and the small businesses, “Smith said.
He continued: “The small businesses are what keeps us going here in the BVI. Most big companies do not bank their money in the BVI, they always bank their money away.”
Smith believes that small businesses tend to support each other in the community, thus circulating money within the community.
“But the big companies, the most they going do is pay tax, and then leave. They will spend their money somewhere else. But the small business is the one who continues to support us as we grow, “Smith stated.
HELP YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THEIR DREAMS
In addition to reflecting on his journey as an entrepreneur, the first-term legislator recalled that he sold limes as a child.
“I could say look where I am today. I own a few businesses that are doing pretty well. I take a page out of Honorable [Mark] Vanterpool‘s book, Member for the Fourth [District],” Smith stated.
He urged residents to support young business owners and not just “watch them and pass them and shake your head”.
Smith said while a lot of people might have the funding to do so, some don’t have the financing to get their businesses started.
“We have to find some type of avenue that the young people could tap into to get financial support to help with their dreams,” he urged.
