New homeowners, Ms. Lady Rawlins and Ms. Mary Caul  both have received the keys to their brand new homes as part of the Government of the Virgin Islands Housing Recovery Assistance Programme.  

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent Wheatley said today is another fantastic day to give thanks for.  We are able to fulfil our mandate to provide homes for people that were damaged by the hurricanes of 2017.  It has been a wait for these two families but we are finally here and can present these deserving families with keys to their new homes,” Minister Wheatley said.  He further encouraged them to take care of the homes and to get them insured as much as possible.

Fourth District Representative, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith said during the handover ceremony for Ms. Rawlings that, “It is so refreshing and pleasing that we can help our people in this particular fashion.  Of course as you know, we all suffered from the Hurricanes but there are some who suffered more than others.  Therefore, it is certainly a pleasure to be able this morning to hand over the keys to this beautiful house to Ms. Rawlins and her family.

“It is a beautifully built house that I know she will enjoy.  I want to congratulate the minister and his team, the contractor and everyone else for their diligent persistent work to get Ms. Rawlins into her home,” Honourable Hodge-Smith said.

The recipients expressed appreciation to the government and contractors for their hard work and the role they played in making today possible.

Ms. Caul is one of 18 persons to benefit from a rebuild grant under the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme. To date, 16 rebuild grants were completed and two are ongoing. Additionally, 30 social homes have been constructed throughout the Territory since the inception of the programme. Currently one social home is being constructed on Jost Van Dyke and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.  Another social home is also expected to be tendered through the Government’s tender process in the near future and one is currently undergoing the necessary approvals at Town and Country Planning.

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