Gov’t begins scouting for housing beneficiaries

Premier Dr D Orlando Smith said government has started scouting for the first set of persons who will benefit from building materials donated by telecommunications provider Digicel.

The company handed over some $100,000 worth of building materials including cement, steel, sand, and gravel to government this afternoon.

Premier Smith said the Ministry of Health and Social Development will partner with Rotary clubs on Tortola to rebuild houses for those left homeless by last month’s hurricanes.

“The Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Rotary clubs have already begun to look for those persons who they will be initially assisting,” he told journalists during the handing over ceremony at the Road Town festival grounds today, October 10.

The premier said construction will commence when the first set of beneficiaries is selected.

“We have to help to look after persons who are unable to look after themselves – who don’t have the access to the finances that are necessary. Most of them probably would not have insurance,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer at Digicel BVI Kevin Gordon said the telecoms company decided to donate the items because it is a part of the community.

Since the hurricanes passed, Digicel also  made several other donations through the government and Rotary. They include several food and medical supplies, as well as repairs to Althea Scatliffe Primary School.