Mister Speaker, it has been some time since my last update on the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme. 

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to update this Honourable House and the Territory on the activities of the Social Security Board.

Mister Speaker, I am pleased to present an update on the support being provided to vulnerable households by the Government of the Virgin Islands to repair and rebuild hurricane-damaged homes.

The public is reminded that appointments are to be made before visiting the Ministry of Health and Social Development, in particular regarding housing matters.

Virgin Islands’ resident Mr. Michael Anthony received the keys to his newly built home as part of the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme.

Mister Speaker, everyone would be aware that the catastrophic hurricanes of 2017, namely Irma & Maria exacted billions of dollars in damages to public and private infrastructures, buildings and livelihoods -- the effects of which the BVI and other regional Island-Nations are still experiencing. 

As part of the on-going efforts to provide temporary housing for residents of the Virgin Islands impacted by the 2017 disasters,

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone led a delegation including Second District Representative, Honourable Melvin Turnbull and officers at the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme to Jost Van Dyke on September 3.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone signed an agreement with Unite BVI and the Recovery Development Agency to begin the Temporary Housing project 

Qualified contractors, building materials suppliers and construction professionals are being directly engaged as the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme expands the scope of assistance offered to homeowners.