Former Booby Alley Homeowners to Receive EC$350,000 Condos Without Extra Payment

Former Booby Alley residents who owned and occupied homes in the community are to receive replacement condominiums at Pelican Court without paying an additional charge, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced.

Browne said the new units are valued at approximately EC$350,000, substantially more than some of the properties they replace.

Speaking at Thursday’s handover ceremony, he reiterated that the redevelopment was intended to improve the circumstances of the people who previously lived there.

“Those who lived here before will be given priority,” he said.

The Prime Minister explained that qualifying former homeowners would receive a condominium as a replacement for their previous home, without having to finance the difference in value.

In an interview following the ceremony, Browne said other beneficiaries taking mortgages could pay less than half the estimated value of a unit, suggesting a price of approximately EC$150,000.

He said mortgage arrangements would be flexible and take account of people’s ability to pay.

The proposed arrangements form part of the government’s effort to make the development accessible to residents who could not otherwise afford comparable accommodation.

Although the project has now been handed over to the government, residents will have to wait for further preparations before moving in.

Browne said the administrative allocation process had begun, but landscaping, meter installation and other work remained outstanding.

The government hopes to begin facilitating the return of residents by January.

The Prime Minister said the value of the development would ultimately be measured by the opportunities it creates for families, including a more stable environment in which children can learn and grow.