NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 13, 2017) — A simple thank you to the Ministry of Social Development in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and to those who assisted her, is all that Lynette Koram of Jessups Village could manage saying, moments after the keys to a brand new home were handed to her by Junior Minister in the Ministry of Social Development Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams at a short ceremony on March 10, 2017.

 

The Minister said she was pleased the Ministry and by extension the Department of Social Services were able to assist her in her time of need.

 

“Lynette we are happy to have done this job for you and we are hoping that you would be grateful in accepting our assistance…

 

On behalf of the Ministry of Social Development, on behalf of the Social Services Unit and by extension the Nevis Island Administration, I would like to turn this key over to you to your newly built home,” she said.

 

Mrs. Brandy-Williams told the new home owner that she should look at the new home as not only a gift but as a spring board to greater things.

 

“We are hoping that you will find comfort living here, that you will be made even stronger living in a new environment and we would want you to see this as not only assistance but empowerment for you to move forward…

 

“We are assisting you to get on your feet and so you don’t sit back and feel like you are less fortunate or you can’t make it. This is a step for you to now move on to higher levels. Whatever your dreams and aspirations are, you are now in a position to accomplish and realise those dreams,” she said.

 

The Minister used the opportunity to thank other members of the community who pooled their resources to begin the project.  She explained that the ministry became involved after they encountered difficulties and sought assistance. At the end of investigations, Ms. Koram met the criteria for assistance and the home was constructed.

 

Mrs. Brandy-Williams singled out Mrs. Ferguson who she said made the initial contact. She also applauded the Department’s maintenance crew headed by Sylvester Thompson who constructed the new house.

 

She publicly thanked the staff at the Social Services Unit for their efforts.

 

“The Ministry of Social Development and by extension the Department of Social Services has been doing an excellent job in assisting and coming to the aid of our persons who are less fortunate.

 

“I would like to say a special thank you to the Director and her staff who would do the assessments from time to time before we at the ministry could lead out with these projects,” she said.

 

Other remarks were made by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development Keith Glasgow who chaired the ceremony. The blessing was made by Pastor Stephen Liburd.