"Red carpet, moonlight, stars, good food, good music courtesy of The Unit (the band that provided the music) and you, the people. What more could a girl ask for. I can think of nowhere else I would rather be than right here and right now and with YOU."

Those words were uttered by Minister of Finance Paula Cox, alluding to the ambience created in the middle of Court Street, Hamilton for the hundreds attending the big banquet her Ministry hosted especially 'For The People' who live, work, own property and or businesses in the North East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone, or the EEZ as it has become popularly known.

"We are here tonight to celebrate," said the jubilant Finance Minister, who had at her side an equally exultant Premier Ewart Brown.

She added: "The EEZ is a dynamic, live breathing entity and it continues to evolve and to grow. We are now in the process of establishing the EEZ Agency to encompass not just the first EEZ but EEZs to come in the western and eastern ends of the island.

"The Ministry of Finance is proud and privileged to be the lead Ministry for the EEZ empowerment initiative and we will continue to do what is required to sustain the momentum."

Ms Cox was high in her praise of those she called "the angels" who have made the EEZ a reality.

"Who are these angels? Well ¿ there is the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation, its general manager, Mrs. Michelle Khaldun, and her powerhouse team, the BSBDC board led by its chair, Mr. Calvin Smith, our consultant Ms Erica Smith, then key stakeholders and partners, the Design Roundtable, the Uptown Market Association, colleague Ministries, specifically Environment and Sports and Minister (El) James, Ministry of Tourism and Transport, Premier Brown, Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, Minister (David) Burch, Belco, Corporation of Hamilton and the banking institutions, together with the input, feedback and sweat equity of you, the business and property owners have helped revive this North Hamilton district in an economic, cultural and social renaissance. Truly it takes a village."

The banquet was a top-of-the-line affair, with almost enough delectable food and drink to feed the 5,000, prepared by eateries in the EEZ. For appertisers there were chicken wings and mini beef patties. There was a starting salad and entrees included barbecue chicken and grilled and fried fish with peas and rice, macaroni and cheese, steamed vegetables and bread roles. Dessert included a selection of homemade carrot, plain and marble cakes.

The 'angels' had reserved seating at beautifully decorated tables and, of course, they were served. For others it was self-service, which none seemed to mind.

Mrs. Khaldun echoed the sentiments of Ms Cox about the event being a celebration and a "For the People'' thank you. She thanked those persons "who have dedicated thousands of hours of paid and unpaid work over the past two years to do research, household and establishment surveys in the EEZ, participate in focus groups, create strategic action plans, examine, identify and categorise the economic activity by industry in the zone.

"Finally and foremost ,we celebrate and say thank you to YOU THE PEOPLE! To all those who live , work and visit the EEZ's many houses of worship in the zone, those who enjoy the many tastes in the restaurants and bars in the zone, who buy their stylish clothing, toys, 'tuff' shoes, toiletries, medicines and delicious baked goods.

"Thank you to the young and old who not only go to get a haircut or hair and nails done but spend hours in the beauty salons and barber shops expressing themselves and dialoguing with best of debaters and talk show callers of the nation. To YOU the people that come both vending and buying at the Culture Fest on Thursday nights."

Mrs. Khaldun singled out three seniors she cited as 'standard bearers' and made presentations to them and a dozen other awardees. The 'standard bearers' who have collectively contributed more than 150 years to the North Hamilton community are Mrs. Sheila Swan, Alpheaus (Ardie) Black and Mrs. Molly Brown Moore.

"Mrs. Swan, a retired educator and community activist, has lived the last 74 years on Ewing Street. She is still caring and being a good neighbour providing us with the history of many of men and women from the EEZ in leadership of our country's professions, politics and commerce.

"Mr. Black, owning and operating his Metal Works business for nearly 60 years and establishing one of the largest family-owned businesses in the Zone on King Street, and Mrs. Molly Brown for over two decades feeding both the body and the soul with the delectable cuisine of Fish Hut on Court Street and the relaxing and energising entertainment and fare of Hubie's on Angle Street.

"You are our standard bearers and show us that small businesses can grow and succeed in the Zone," said Mrs. Khaldun.