Three contracts were signed for the construction of three social homes on the sister islands as part of the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley said he was happy to see the resumption of social homes. The Minister noted the program had stopped for a while, but he is happy that the three homes will be built on the sister islands.

Of the three homes, two will be built in North Sound, Virgin Gorda and the other in White Bay, Jost Van Dyke. The beneficiaries of the social homes are Gladyvet

Walters of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, Sydney and Elmore Wheatley of North Sound Virgin Gorda and Lucien Callwood of White Bay, Jost Van Dyke.

Honourable Wheatley said, “They are much needed, particularly for Gladyet Walters who has been living in a temporary shelter for the last six years I believe. I am happy to see she is getting her home started and young Sidney who lost his parents and he has not been home for a very long time, getting a place he could call his home”.

The minister added, “I think since the hurricane, he has been living on Tortola with friends and he is finally getting his home on Virgin Gorda to move back there. It is very pleasing to see a young person receiving the much-needed help. Hopefully, we can get more funding to create more social homes for other persons who may need help since the hurricane and so forth. I am very pleased we can sign this contract”.

K&C Construction was awarded the contract valued at $215, 919.70 for Sydney Wheatley’s house in Northsound, while Construction and Engineering Systems (BVI) Limited was awarded the contract for Gladyvet Walters' home valued at $225,701.75 and Lucien Callwood valued at $210,836.50.

Since the beginning of the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme, over 20 homes have been built and over 200 have been repaired.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.