Jackson Named One of 50 Most Powerful Small & Minority Business Advocates During Minority Enterprise Development Week In Miami

Senate Vice-President Myron Jackson was named one of 50 Most Powerful Small & Minority Business Advocates of the Year on Saturday at an awards gala held during Minority Enterprise Development Week 2019 in Miami on Saturday, Mr. Jackson’s office has announced. The event was held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the US. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency.

“Having built my life over the last 30 years as a cultural preservationist, at first I was a bit surprised after learning of the honor,” said the veteran senator, who serves in the St. Thomas-St. John District. “But the MBDA recognized the passion behind Bill No. 33-0054 to see more persons of color and other minority groups afforded the same opportunities to do business with the government in a field of contractual work in which they are grossly underrepresented.”

According to the release, before the devastation of Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Mr. Jackson was approached by concerned businessman Toussaint Gaskins to address the situation in the Virgin Islands where most federal contractual dollars are awarded outside of the territory.

“In a post-hurricane landscape, this has meant many skilled business owners have missed great opportunities in the major rebuilding efforts to restore our islands and make them more resilient,” Mr. Jackson said. “Bill 33-0054 is our solution and way of empowering our people to take ownership as the primary stakeholders in our recovery.”

In July, the bill moved past the Committee on Economic Development, Regulations, and Agriculture, with support from Mr. Gaskins, small business advocate Marie Gill, the Economic Development Authority and other stakeholders. It will go next before the Committee on Rules & Judiciary, then the full body.

“As I reflect on the symbolism of this award, I am reminded of my parents who owned and operated a convenience store and gas station, and other entrepreneurs like them, who used their resources to provide opportunities for others,” Mr. Jackson said. “This proposed legislation is an extension of their vision and will help to transform our economy once passed and enacted, from opportunities for employment to the tax dollars that benefit our entire society. Thank you to all for the continued support.”