Homes in time for Christmas

Four deserving residents from Clarendon are now proud homeowners, just in time for Christmas.

Cynthia Johnson in Rock River, Maudlyn Simpson-Needham from Coxwain, Carlus Greyson from Four Paths, and Angella Boothe from Mocho, were presented with keys to housing units under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), by Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness late last week.

Speaking at the first handover in Rock River, Holness urged the recipients to maintain the houses in the good condition they received them or improve on the dwellings for the betterment of their families. He noted that the beneficiaries are expected to conduct themselves as model citizens and serve as shining examples for other community members.

Johnson, who received a two-bedroom unit told JIS News that she is extremely grateful for the new, safe space. She noted that she was living in a dilapidated dwelling in Mount Zion, and she had lost her pit latrine during the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

"I'm happy! I can't even tell you how I feel. The situation at the house I was living in was not good," she said, noting that "rat bat lived in the ceiling".

"When it rains I have a lot of problems; it floods out, but thank God I have this; mi don't haffi fret when hurricane come again," said Johnson.

"I can't even explain. I pray; I thank God every day. I thank all the people who made it possible for me. I thank you very much because without the people, the government, the contributors, it wouldn't be possible," she added.

Simpson-Needham is also thankful for the two-bedroom home, which she will share with her daughter and granddaughter.

"I am happy for my house. I would encourage others to just be with the Lord, no matter what you are going through. Just put it to the Lord and He will carry it through," she said.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for Works, Robert Nesta Morgan, who was on hand for handover of the housing units, said that the families are deserving. The Member of Parliament for Clarendon North Central, who addressed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Greyson family, expressed confidence that the parents and four children will make the three-bedroom house a home.