Penn mulls free labour initiative to rebuild houses

A house damaged during Hurricane Irma on Tortola. File photo

Representative of the Eighth Electoral District Marlon Penn has disclosed that he, along with some of his constituents, is formulating an initiative that will see residents volunteering labour to help rebuild homes once construction materials are provided.

“I have already spoken to some of the guys that we have to donate some hours every week to assist persons in trying to get their homes built once they get the material and so forth. That is something we are trying to put in place,” he told BVI News Online.

He indicated that sections of the Eighth District, as well as the adjoining Seventh Electoral District, are among the hardest hit by category 5 hurricane Irma on September 6.

“The damage is significant. The Long Look and East End area are one of the hardest hit areas because we are mostly on the north side; we got a lot of the damage on the north,” Penn further said. “We have to find a way to help members of the community who might not be able to help themselves at this point.”

He also said members of the community already have been helping in the recovery process.

“All of the guys on the block came out. They gave a lot of their free time, equipment and everything to work hard for their community; and I am really proud of their effort – proud of the work they have done in trying to get us back”

“We have done a lot of the work from Trellis Bay, come down. We are now working into Josiah’s Bay and over the hills in helping as many persons as we can,” Penn further said.

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