DeGazon Partners With D.L.C.A., E.D.A. To Streamline Business Licensing Process In Territory

Senator Allison DeGazon on Wednesday hosted a meeting with Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Nominee Richard T. Evangelista, to discuss her proposed legislation to restructure the business licensing process in the territory, a release Ms. DeGazon’s office issued has made known. Also at the meeting was Kamal I. Latham, CEO of the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority.

“As chair of the Committee of Economic Development and Agriculture, the economic growth of the territory is one of my priorities,” Ms. DeGazon said. According to the release, the senator further indicated that upon receiving numerous concerns regarding the complexity of registering a new business in the territory, she felt a need to arrange a consensus building meeting with D.L.C.A. and E.D.A. to discuss possible solutions and recommendations to remedy the issue.

The release says both entities are on board and will be reviewing what was described as the existing bureaucratic structure and procedures, while offering specific recommendations for streamlining. Mr. Evangelista welcomed Ms. DeGazon’s partnership and on Friday held the first of what the release said would be many task force meetings with various government agencies, whose approval is necessary prior to the issuance of a business license.

According to the release, Ms. DeGaonz said the goals are to improve the processing time and grow the local economy. Mr. Latham said the senator’s efforts are timely and appreciated.

“This is the type of oversight that is necessary to improve our economic health. If we can improve the services we offer the business community by consolidating and simplifying the process, and the integration of the E.D.A.’s aggressive business recruitment efforts, then our economic portfolio will grow,” Ms. DeGazon concluded.