An approved political candidate for the parish of St George’s has backed small business leaders who have expressed concerns for the future prospects of small and medium- sized companies – especially for those in the East End town.

Thomas Harvey, the OBA adopted candidate for Constituency 2, St George’s West, said he shared the concerns for small businesses.

Marico Thomas, the entrepreneur who developed the 30-year old Four Star Pizza chain and other businesses, raised the alarm that there should be more government programmes to help small businesses succeed as the country sought to move past the pandemic.

An investment group he leads is undertaking a major project that will generate 90 to 135 jobs across the island.

He believes there are things the Government can do to support such ventures that have a transformative potential.

A second business leader, Jonathan Smith, CEO of The Origin Company Ltd., warned that small and medium-sized businesses were under more pressure than ever, simply because they were overwhelmed by taxes and red tape, putting their survival at risk.

An attempt to get a response from the government on these issues has so far met with no response.

But Mr Thomas was sympathetic.

The approved OBA candidate said: “To hear Maurico Thomas express his concerns leaves one wondering if this government is concerned about whether or not we are able to resume a level of productivity that would see Bermudians employed again after enduring so many months of a downturn due to the pandemic.

“St George’s has been particularly hard hit, but Mr Thomas was willing to come in and make the necessary investment in the community only to be shot down by this government.

“Where are the voices for St George’s?

“It is concerning that I have resided here all my life and now have to watch the gradual deterioration of what was a thriving community.

“Where is the leadership? Why does this government appear to favour one place of this island to another?

“St George’s is supposed to be a World Heritage Site, but, alas, I fear we may lose that due to neglect.

“I have received numerous expressions of concern from both sides of the aisle and it is most concerning that these constituents feel unheard.

“I would sincerely hope that this present government would reconsider its position on the eastern end of this island.”

Last week, Mr Harvey said he was disappointed that St George’s had lost its advocate in cabinet, with Renee Ming no longer a minister of the Government.