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Gullah Geechee Chamber briefs council on Saint Helena economic projects and veterans claims assistance
Summary
Marilyn Hemingway of the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce updated the council on collaborative economic work in Saint Helena Island, including a community center at 808 Sea Island Parkway and a veterans claims assistance program led by Jendia Blunt that the presenters say has helped more than 70 veterans.
Marilyn Hemingway, representing the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce, gave an update to the Beaufort County Council on June 7 about economic-development efforts along the Gullah Geechee Corridor and community-led projects on Saint Helena Island.
Hemingway described a collaborative approach involving local stakeholders, nonprofits and private investors to address long-standing community needs and to help implement parts of the county's comprehensive plan. She said work at 808 Sea Island Parkway on Saint Helena is serving as a community and recreation starter center, and that the center has generated increased community involvement, small-business activity and nonprofit programming.
Hemingway introduced Jendia (spelled in the transcript as Jindia) Blunt, who described a veterans-helping-veterans claims assistance program operating from 808 Sea Island Parkway. Blunt said the free service helps veterans in rural areas access Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and that the program has assisted "over 70 veterans with more than 1 third of them achieving total and permanent disability ratings of 100 percent," producing examples of back pay and increased monthly benefits. "One of our proudest moments was helping a veteran go from a 0% rating to a 60% disability rating, resulting in a $27,000 back pay deposit and over $3,000 per month for the rest of his life," Blunt said.
Hemingway addressed community grief and historical context, framed the chamber's mission as creating "global awareness, sustainable economic opportunity for businesses and communities along the Gullah Geechee Corridor," and said the chamber has engaged developers and residents on local projects, including Pine Island (presented as Pine Isle/Pine Island Development in discussion) and related downzoning conversations. She said the chamber's work supports the Beaufort County comprehensive plan's goals and called for continued investment in rural and island communities.
No formal action was taken. Council members raised procedural questions about agenda clarity and requested clearer scope for future presentations.
