Sonja and Sonya recieves house certificate on Tuesday
Twin sisters Sonya and Sonia Knight were all smiles on Tuesday as they received the keys and certificate to their new home in All Saints through the Government’s Home Advancement Programme for the Poor and Indigent (HAPPI).
The 30-year-old sisters were presented with the completed home during a ceremony attended by government officials, community representatives and members of the team responsible for its construction.
The house is the 190th home delivered under the initiative, which assists vulnerable residents who cannot afford to build or adequately repair their homes.
Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner congratulated the sisters and acknowledged that they had waited some time for the project to be completed.
Minister Turner and Sonja and Sonia
Turner said that although 190 homes have been delivered, the programme has identified at least another 500 homes that need to be built.
He appealed for patience from applicants, explaining that delays are caused by limited manpower and the large number of vulnerable people requiring assistance.
“It’s not that we have forgotten you. It’s not that we don’t care. It is a manpower issue. It is an issue with the availability of resources,” Turner said.
The minister disclosed that the Government is examining additional options, including prefabricated homes, to complement the work currently being undertaken and accelerate the delivery of housing assistance.
Turner also defended the involvement of inmates from His Majesty’s Prison in constructing homes under the programme. He said their participation allows them to give back to society, develop practical skills and improve their chances of finding employment after completing their sentences.
“A part of rehabilitation should be community service. A part of rehabilitation should be learning a skill, so when you leave, you’re better able to contribute positively back towards society,” he said.
Turner recalled encountering former inmates who had secured employment in construction after learning valuable skills through the HAPPI Programme.
Operations Manager of the Social Protection Board Mary Baltimore said the sisters were receiving more than a physical structure, they were being given a home in which they could experience peace, happiness and security.
“We are so delighted and so happy that we are presenting not only a structure to you, but a home,” Baltimore said.
She thanked Minister Turner, the HAPPI team led by Inspector Veldon Raguette, prison officers, inmates and everyone who contributed to completing the project.
Caretaker for All Saints East and St Luke Lamin Newton described the handover as another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to helping vulnerable citizens.
“This home was built with love, with care and with compassion,” Newton said as he thanked the Cabinet, the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, the Social Protection Board, the HAPPI Programme and the inmates who worked on the project.
Officials revealed that the construction team faced several challenges at the property, including the presence of vagrants and a beehive inside the building. Despite those difficulties, the team persevered and completed the home.
The sisters were thanked for their patience and encouraged to cherish and care for their new residence.
This one touches my heart they are truly deserving of it my prime Minister Gaston Browne Honorable mr Newton and mr Turner and all those who put their hands together to make this happen for the Girls God Blessings is with you all.