Gov’t earmarks $1.7M for VG social housing
During his recent budget address, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced that the government has allocated $1.7 million for social housing initiatives in Virgin Gorda.
This funding is part of the broader Housing Recovery Assistance Programme, which supports residents affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria and enhances the territory’s housing infrastructure.
Premier Wheatley highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing housing needs in his address. According to the Premier, the government will build three social homes in Virgin Gorda and one in Baugher’s Bay.
“My government is committed to providing care and shelter for the most vulnerable in our population. It is for this very reason that we have allocated $1,732,400 under the Ministry of Health and Social Development towards the construction of new social homes in Virgin Gorda,” Dr Wheatley said.
He also revealed that the government intends to fund the construction of an alms-house in Long Look, which will offer temporary shelter to the homeless and victims of domestic violence.
The Housing Recovery Assistance Programme, managed by the Ministry of Health and Social Development, offers various forms of support, including grants for home repairs and reconstruction. Since its inception, the programme has facilitated the construction of more than 27 homes and repaired more than 200.
Earlier this year, the government signed contracts to construct three social homes on the sister islands, including Virgin Gorda. Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent Wheatley expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting, “I am happy to see the resumption of social homes… particularly for those who have been living in temporary shelters for the last six years.”
The government encourages eligible homeowners to apply for assistance through the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme. Applicants must own uninsured or underinsured properties that sustained damage during Hurricanes Irma or Maria. Application forms are available online and at the Housing Recovery Unit in the old Peebles Hospital building.
Premier Wheatley said his government built eight new social homes across the territory in 2024, and over 30 social homes have been constructed throughout the territory since the programme’s inception.
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Considering its purpose, government’s intended “almshouse” in Long Look, would better described as a “shelter”.
But either way, its design will require architectural sensitivity, and architectural sensitivity is not currently one of the government’s strong points.
In the 1970’s the village of Long Look featured in many of my paintings and sketches. It had many of the features that constitute good vernacular townscapes. Some of the older residents may remember the sketches I made of children from the village as presents for their birthdays.
The comment posted as “Anonymous” should have been posted under My name: Roger Burnet.
Could admin please repost it under my name, which was the name I gave.
” vernacular landscapes”
Thank you Mr Burnet and most especially for the delightful wakeup call this early mawnin to my brain cells. Learned an articulation and beautiful description and almost indescribable feature
of art. Can’t wait to showoff and impress lol
the beat goes on, still lining their party individuals pocket. And our people is to blame. Damm we frig.