NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (June 14, 2018) — “Thank you Minister of social welfare for helping me along my journey and I wish God will bless you all and thank you.” The few words of gratitude an otherwise vivacious Ms. Lorraine Cassandra Phillip of Fountain Village could manage, moments after she accepted the keys to her new home from Hon. Eric Evelyn, Minister of Social Development at Fountain Village in St. James’ Parish, on June 14, 2018.

Prior to handing her the keys, Mr. Evelyn said the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) was pleased to take care of her housing need and encouraged her to take care of her new home.

“I know Cassandra for a very long time. She is a live wire and I know that she is extra happy that we are here this morning to hand over the keys to her…We want you to take very good care of your property. It is a lovely property.

“Constructing such dwelling places is costly and, of course, it is costing the Department of Social Services, the Ministry of Social Development but…we are here to ensure that we continue to improve the lives of all who live on the island of Nevis and Cassandra, is one such persons. We are so delighted that we can do this for you and we are so delighted that we can improve your standard of living,” he said.

The minister thanked his predecessor Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, under whose leadership the project to house Ms. Phillip began. He also thanked Hon. Alexis Jeffers, Area Representative for St. James’ Parish for seeking permission from the land owners to construct the home for Ms. Phillip.

Mr. Keith Glasgow, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, explained that they had experienced some difficulties and it took longer than expected before the project was completed.

He commended the land owners who gave permission to construct the house for Ms. Phillip. He said the Jeffers family understood that all must help to eradicate poverty from within the society and Ms. Phillip is a senior who had been renting the plot of land where the house was constructed for some time.

Mr. Glasgow also acknowledged former Minister of Social Development Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams and Hon. Alexis Jeffers, Area Representative, who among others were instrumental in the project.

Ms. Joyce Moven, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services said the Ministry of Social Development and the department cater to the most vulnerable people in the community.

She stated that as part of the National Social Protection Strategy, the department makes the assessments to determine those most in need, and provide the necessary assistance to ensure they have a better standard of living, thereby, embracing the Sustainable Development Goals by trying to alleviate and eradicate poverty in the community.

The handing over ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Shelly Liburd who overseas community housing assistance projects and Pastor Ron Daniel gave the blessing.

Also present was Ms. Phillip’s partner, Hillary Shield.