Government to Offer Vacant Pelican Court Apartments to New Applicants as Some Former Residents Decline Return

The government could soon open the doors of the newly completed Pelican Court housing development to applicants who were never part of the former Booby Alley community, following confirmation that some displaced residents have chosen not to return.

The decision by several former residents to remain in their temporary communities has created an opportunity for other individuals, particularly those facing financial challenges, to secure housing in the multimillion-dollar development.

Director General for Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Maurice Merchant, disclosed the development during Friday’s Post-Cabinet Media Briefing, explaining that the government anticipates having vacant apartments once eligible former residents have been accommodated.

The announcement comes just one day after the Chinese-funded housing project was officially handed over to the government on Thursday, representing a significant milestone in the transformation of the former Booby Alley community in Point.

Constructed with EC$50 million in funding from China, Pelican Court forms part of the government's efforts to improve housing conditions and provide modern accommodation for residents displaced by the redevelopment.

However, Merchant revealed that not all former residents are interested in returning to the area they once called home.

“Some individuals who have been relocated from Booby Alley have already expressed to the committee that they wish not to go into Pelican Court,” he stated.

According to Merchant, some residents have settled into the communities where they were temporarily accommodated during construction and have expressed a preference to remain there permanently.

Their decisions could leave several apartments unoccupied, allowing the government to expand the allocation process beyond the original beneficiaries.

Merchant explained that consideration would also be given to compensation arrangements for individuals who previously owned property in Booby Alley but have decided against taking up residence in the new development.

Meanwhile, the government intends to prioritise vulnerable applicants who would otherwise struggle to access traditional financing to purchase a home.

The proposed approach could provide an important housing opportunity for individuals and families who lack the financial resources necessary to enter the conventional property market.

Although the government has confirmed that additional applicants could benefit, the exact number of apartments expected to become available has not been disclosed.

Further details concerning the application process, eligibility requirements and allocation timeline have also not yet been announced.

The completion and handover of Pelican Court mark a new chapter in the redevelopment of Booby Alley, with the government now preparing to determine how the apartments will be distributed among returning residents and potential new occupants.