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Home Delivered Through HAPPI Programme for Swetes Family

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Home Delivered Through HAPPI Programme for Swetes Family
Home Delivered Through HAPPI Programme for Swetes Family
Minister Rawdon Turner and Senator Lamin Newton celebrate new home-gifting with HAPPI recipient in Swetes

A vulnerable resident of Swetes, Arlene Wilson, and her family are now the proud recipients of a new home after receiving critical assistance through the Government’s Home Advancement Programme for the Poor and Indigent (HAPPI).

Wilson and her family of 14 were identified as being in urgent need of safe and stable housing and received support after the government, through the HAPPI Programme, underscoring the importance of intervening to address their circumstances.

Under the HAPPI Program, only three-bedroom structures are permitted, but the Cabinet made an exception and approved five-bedroom structures.

Home Delivered Through HAPPI Programme for Swetes Family
Government Officials and family members celebrate with HAPI home recipient Arlene Wilson

The programme mobilised resources to ensure that she was provided with a proper home, restoring dignity and security to her life.

ABLP Caretaker for All Saints East and St Luke, Lamin Newton, described the project as a clear example of the government’s mission to improve living conditions for the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

“As the caretaker for the constituency, I was approached. I contacted the HAPPI Program, and we contacted Minister Rawdon Turner. We saw the family, and we had to act because the situation was really bad. We don’t see colour or political persuasion,” he said.

Newton said beyond bricks and mortar, the home represents renewed hope and stability.

The HAPPI programme continues to impact communities across Antigua and Barbuda, delivering practical solutions for families in need and reinforcing the government’s commitment to people-centred development.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/01/12/home-delivered-through-happi-programme-for-swetes-family. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (6)

  • Food4thought January 12, 2026, 8:53 AM

    This is exactly how government programmes should work, identifying real need and responding with compassion and action. Well done to everyone involved.
    Reply

    • Wadadlian January 13, 2026, 6:07 AM

      It is an excellent initiative. However, the nation should not be fooled by it. The PM and his administration has to account for how the proceedings from the Alfo Nero scandal was spent. There is also the purchasing of the vehicle scandal The PM should be in no doubt, the Homeland Security, headed by Donald Trump, who once described the PM as running the country like a “Latrine” is under their radar . He has to justify how the Alfo Naro money was spent, there is also the Mariagate vehicle scandal. It leaves one to wonder: is PM running scared, or is a snapped election imminent, or maybe both. The “Happi Home” is a good idea, it has milage, but what’s the rationale?
      Reply

  • Antigua Surf January 12, 2026, 8:53 AM

    Beyond bricks and mortar, this is about restoring hope. Wishing the Wilson family peace and stability in their new home.
    Reply

  • Informed citizen January 12, 2026, 1:53 PM

    Programs like HAPPI restore dignity, not just walls and a roof
    Reply

    • Juju Bee January 12, 2026, 10:05 PM

      Happy for you my lady. Please take care of it and appreciate everyone’s efforts who made this possible
      Reply

  • Teacher for Life January 12, 2026, 5:39 PM

    This is so heart warming. I wonder how to go about referring an individual for this program since I have a severely ill relative whose home is in serious need of repairs.
    Reply

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