It was a birthday celebration unlike any other for Yorks community stalwart Lolita Edwards, who received the keys to a new home as she marked her 80th birthday on Tuesday.

Lolita Edwards Birthday cake

Edwards was surrounded by relatives, friends, government officials and members of the Yorks community as the home was formally handed over under the Home Advancement Programme for the Poor and Indigent (HAPPI).

Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner described the occasion as a fitting tribute to a woman who has devoted many years to her community.

“Lady Edwards, happy birthday. On behalf of the people of Antigua and Barbuda and the Gaston Browne administration, we are here today to present you with a beautiful home,” Turner said. “The journey might have been long, but we are at the finish line. We answered the call, and we are here. The proof is in the pudding.”

ABLP Senator Angelica O’Donoghue was instrumental in helping to advance the initiative and was recognised for her advocacy and involvement in ensuring that Edwards received the assistance she needed.

Tourism Minister and St John’s Rural North MP Charles “Max” Fernandez was also present for the milestone occasion and joined in celebrating Edwards, who is widely regarded as a stalwart of the Yorks community.

Lolita Edwards and Minister Charles Fernandez

HAPPI Coordinator Mr Veldon Ragguette said the project reflected the value of government, corporate citizens and residents working together to assist vulnerable members of society.

“What I like about HAPPI is that it is a community project, where we come together to assist the less fortunate in the community,” he said.

He thanked the tradesmen and other individuals who contributed their time and skills to completing the home, noting that members of the community played an important role in the project.

Social Protection Board Operations Manager Mary Baltimore said the occasion was about much more than handing over a physical structure.

“We are extremely happy and delighted to be here with you, not only handing over a new structure, a home, but also celebrating your birthday,” Baltimore told Edwards.

She thanked Minister Turner, Minister Fernandez, Senator O’Donoghue, the HAPPI team, ministry staff, the Social Protection Board and everyone else who contributed to the project.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation Almarie Henry also attended the ceremony, along with other officials and members of the HAPPI team.

King’s Casino, a longstanding supporter of the programme, presented Edwards with a special birthday token and described the completed home as evidence of the Government’s commitment to providing meaningful assistance to citizens.

“This is a small token of King’s Casino’s gratitude to be part of the programme and for you on your birthday. Welcome to your new home,” its representative said.

The presentation was one of two HAPPI home handovers conducted on Tuesday and formed part of the Government’s continuing effort to improve the living conditions of vulnerable families across Antigua and Barbuda.