31 Vieille Case families to benefit from govt housing programme

PM SKerrit addresses Vieille Case residents on Thursday

The Government’s Housing Expansion Program has pledged to bring relief to 31 families in the Vieille Case constituency.

According to Parliamentary Representative for the Vieille Case constituency, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, the houses will impact 82 members of the various families, and will cost $3.15-million.

Letters of commitment for the construction of the new homes were presented to the families during a ceremony in Vieille Case, on Wednesday.

Skerrit stated that several applications for new homes were distributed to village councils throughout the constituency, and of the 85 which were submitted, 79 were approved for new homes, while 6 will be reroofed.

“So far, we’ve received 85 application forms that were returned. Out of the 85, 79 have been approved for new homes, and 6 for reroofing and extensive improvements, because the homes are structurally sound, and with improvements, can be made more comfortable than they currently are,” he said.

The Prime Minister revealed that the contracts for the construction of the homes have already been signed, and the workers have already received a mobilization fee, to begin work as soon as possible. He noted that the letters given to the families are a sign of “the government’s firm commitment” to building them new homes.

Skerrit explained that the homes will be functional and will reflect the government’s vision of resilience.

“And these homes will be constructed with concrete walls, with concrete roofs because we are seeking to build more resilient homes… electrical wiring, plumbing,” he stated. “Your house will be fully tiled, you will have basic kitchen cabinets, and the houses will be painted.”

He also noted that the Housing Expansion Program will soon move to other communities in the constituency to build homes for the remaining applicants.

“With regards to the 48 additional applications— I said to you 79 have been approved, but we’re starting 31,” Skerrit elaborated. “We will have a ceremony… in Penville in the first week of February where we shall give our letters to the additional 48 families who applied… The houses will be built in 2019, God’s willing.”

The Prime Minister stated that one of the challenges the program faces is that some of the beneficiaries do not own land. He urged those with land to spare, to sell it to the government for the building of homes.

“…the challenges some of the beneficiaries have is the issue of not having their land. So, that’s a land. And I’m saying to those of us who have extra land in the village, those of us who live overseas and the lots are abandoned, sell it to the government, because we need to build homes for these people on safe lands,” he said. “And if you’re in America, you’re not coming back to Dominica, either you sell it to us, or we will compulsorily apply for the deed.”

Meantime, Housing Officer, Greg Francois, revealed that a massive reroofing program which was undertaken in the Vieille Case constituency is nearly complete.

At the ceremony in Vieille Case, on Wednesday, he said that a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Building Damages Assessment was conducted after the devastating Hurricane Maria. Through the assessment, it was discovered that a significant percentage of dwelling homes in Penville, Thibaud and Vieille Case had been destroyed.

He stated that after estimates were prepared for the damaged structures in the community, the government provided the necessary funds.

“A sum of approximately $1.6-million for a hundred beneficiaries in Veille Case, $3-million approximately for 127 families in Penville, and approximately $500,000 for 55 beneficiaries in Thibaud was made available for the respective village councils,” Francois explained. “The program went through an eight-month period. To date, we can report that 98% of roofs in Thibaud and Vieille Case are completed, and 92% in Penville. We only have minor technical issues to deal with to have the program 100% completed.”

Section of the audience at the Vieille Case function

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40 Comments

  1. It'sMissAlie
    December 21, 2018

    Great! Very convenient because he’s from that area…

    Surprise us, Skerrit; I dare you! Give that same treatment to all the villages!

  2. John Rocque
    December 21, 2018

    MR PM
    Have you visited Scotts Head since Maria?
    I don’t believe you have, as You would not ignore the mountain of rubbish, compromised roads, the sand dune which is in the middle of the road and the general aura of abandonment which emanates from a once lovely bit of paradise.

    I witnessed an altercation between some tourists and a guide; the tourists were angry that the guide had dared to take them to such a disgusting area.

    I suppose that the people from Scotts Head do not matter.

    • RandyX
      December 23, 2018

      Skerrit will soon come to your community and he will promise you all the same things he promised a few years ago! Just keep on waiting. The man of thousand promises and one deed soon in a cinema near you!

  3. Citizen
    December 20, 2018

    Well good for those that getting…. Hope one day the die hard labour supporters of Portsmouth that pleading so long for a little housing assistance will get help. Hope IAN remember those that help put him where he is today!!!!!!

  4. Fair is Fair
    December 20, 2018

    A government very hard at work.

    Skerrit MUST GO to build more home for the less fortunate

    Skerrit MUST GO to build better schools and roads

    Skerrit MUST GO to ensure a better way of living for ALL Dominicans

    Go Skerrit GO!!!

    • The Next Iron Lady of Dominica
      December 21, 2018

      Yes, a government working very hard at keeping up the illusion that it is working very hard. Good show.

  5. Fair is Fair
    December 20, 2018

    A government very hard at work.

    Skerrit MUST GO to build more home for the less fortunate

    Skerrit MUST GO to build better schools and roads

    Skerrit MUST GO to ensure a better way of living for ALL Dominicans

    Go Skerrit GO!!!

  6. Voice of The South
    December 20, 2018

    A government very hard at work.

    Skerrit MUST GO to build more home for the less fortunate

    Skerrit MUST GO to build better schools and roads

    Skerrit MUST GO to ensure a better way of living for ALL Dominicans

    Go Skerrit GO!!!

    • The Next Iron Lady of Dominica
      December 21, 2018

      Yes, a government working very hard at keeping up the illusion of working very hard. Good show.

  7. Dan Tanner
    December 20, 2018

    His hometown. What a coincidence!

  8. Bob Denis
    December 20, 2018

    The DLP is on an election footing, ala Trump, the DLP’ base is in full gear , a loud message is being sent. Against all odds, a ray of hope can be seen , I come from a different time , when activism meant conscious Education , when we respected each others viewpoint , even if we didn’t agree . Dominica must revert to that time , a time of Reasoning , a time of respecting each other wether DLP, UWP or any other. The message have been sent , NATURE , which We all are a part of , speaks to us through Natural Disasters , these Houses came about because of Natural disasters , the DLP’ base should not be the prime benefactors . But then again the DLP’ base or the DLP , UWP or any other , will take center stage on this .

    • Older BP
      December 21, 2018

      Denis, Yes we know U come from a different time , when activism meant conscious Education , when we respected each others viewpoint , even if we didn’t agree . Dominica must revert to that time , a time of Reasoning , a time of respecting each other. (The BPDays on 4 corners & St.Elsewhere. Denis many of you cloth sold out. Look at big black power JJ lawyer ,historian etc cab sec he reminds us of Henri Leve’ the French revolutionary of 1968( now preaching capitalism.. where is Jolly, the Union guy, Glen,Nevile Athie’s acolytes of yesteryear? Yes one has passed the best of the lot. Athie continues where is Bob? I heard T&T others are informing he is around the belt way in the DC area with Dr.Finn etc al..So Dennis the left sold out. Some who were not mentioned bc the names don’t come to mind. I guess the years are taking effect my dear friend and university friend has been sidelined like me. Many think were are/were too extreme. Now many see the need. How long has the been…

      • Older BP
        December 21, 2018

        long has the train been gone Denis or Tennis? I was joking as they rhyme but I just recall U loved playing Tennis Denis!

  9. Borne in Via'case
    December 20, 2018

    All materials a already available for that housing project: island concert, (who owns it?) nature isle lumber (who owns it?) our own galvanized factory (who owns it?) now go to cane field shed # 6 all you will see another galvanized factory (owned by… C.W from vieille case ) all the raw materials, Galvanized machinery, Guttering machine, and accessories are available. That factory is not known to the public because they done sell to the public. It is sole for government housing project: bellevue, cottenhill, picard, laplane, just to name a few) All building by N.H.
    Do you all investigation! just as the savanne pie villas, the hotel in ti-bay, the bigest apartment in picard…. .the 400,000.00$ house in vieille case which is value at 2.2 million dollars.
    Proverbs 9:6 “A poor man has no influence” financially can any one explain to me the meaning of “capitalist”?

    • JAILHIMIN2019
      December 21, 2018

      the 400,000.00$ EC house in vieille case which is value at 2.2 million dollars NOW in US $ I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO HEARD AND CAN RECALL THE SPEECH.
      “Ladies & gentlemen I will be build a modest3 br house for …………………………” Oh don’t forget to read it stammering/ baygayyeahing lol the guy is a CROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOK

  10. Borne in Via'case
    December 20, 2018

    All materials a already available for that houseing project: island concert, (who owns it?) nature isle lumber (who owns it?) our own galvanized factory (who owns it?) now go to cane field shed # 6 all you will see another galvanized factory (owned by… C.W from vieille case ) all the raw materials, Galvanized machinery, Guttering machine, and accessories are available. That factory is not known to the public because they done sell to the public. It is sole for government housing project: bellevue, cottenhill, picard, laplane, just to name a few) All building by N.H.
    Do you all investigation! just as the savanne pie villas, the hotel in ti-bay, the bigest apartment in picard…. .the 400,000.00$ house in vieille case which is value at 2.2 million dollars.
    Proverbs 9:6 “A poor man has no influence” financially can any one explain to me the meaning of “capitalist”?

  11. LaPlaine Observer
    December 20, 2018

    I wonder how many people from LaPlaine can say they have benefited from perks like this. Skeritt is building houses for his constituent, while the people of LaPlaine have to beg to get their roofs repaired and still get turned down ibn the process.

  12. Ibo France
    December 20, 2018

    Why does Skerrit have to wear his gang color when acting in his capacity as the leader of government ? He blurs the line between government and party. A government should work on behalf of every citizen and legal resident in the country while a political party works mostly for its members. It’s conspicuously understandable why Dominica is as backwards as it is in this era of modernity. Politicians don’t know their role.

  13. Crucial Comments
    December 20, 2018

    Through-out creation, there’s always been the have’s and have not. With that said, the less fortunate will always need assistance – nice work. As someone who is non affiliated to any political party this is good only if it’s dedicated to people who really need it. However that said, there no forward progress by handing out fishes. One must be taught how to fish and help in the overall progress of the island as a whole.

  14. Ibo France
    December 20, 2018

    I have said previously that the distribution of homes built by the government for people in need could never be a bad thing. A proper place of shelter is comforting. There’s an overwhelming number of people, in Dominica, who are relying on government to provide them with shelter. This is no fault of their own in most cases. The economy is so bad, unemployment is so widespread, wages are so meager that many are not capable of building houses of their own, it’s just financially impracticable. The government should incentivize local entrepreneurs, to create a robust economy, in order to create almost full employment in the country. People will be able to earn and save enough to build their own homes. In a thriving economy the people are able to do for themselves and rely less on government for their basic needs.
    The best of all governments is that which creates the enabling environment for us to help ourselves .

  15. Neville
    December 20, 2018

    …and the dictator keeps on rewarding his most loyal supporters at the expense of the country’s finances. We need to get shot of this corrupt tyrant!

  16. December 20, 2018

    Good for those getting free house,Bad for the country,This is not investment,It will not create revenue for the country,

    • World's Moistest Jheri Curl
      December 20, 2018

      I applaud this housing programme’s desire to assist the community at-large
      & it may create revenues if its properly sourced
      there should be an independent apparatus that monitors the monies

      I’d be most interested in seeing where the materials originate
      if they purchase from local companies and if they’re able to procure those materials at a discount.
      If you’re constructing 31 homes there ought to be a price reduction for bulk orders
      or will they purchase directly from the manufacturer or wholesaler

      • Frank N Stein
        December 21, 2018

        How will it generate income when its given free not even $1 the OWNERS will pay? ITs an election gimmick. The saddest part is destitute people are still homeless while supporters and able bodied people who they want to buy are the recipients. Very few of the needy get houses unless if they support DLP.

    • Enough is enough
      December 20, 2018

      My brother, no one is looking at creating revenue here, just dependancie.

  17. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    December 20, 2018

    Yea boy Dr. Punjab/Duquesne  Dominica double doctor; I need to ask you how many houses have you extended in the village of Wesley and Marigot?

    Remember more than ten years ago you promised someone that as soon as the budget was passed you would help an old lady in Wesley with one of your giveaway houses.

    Well, be informed the old house the lady lived in; hurricane Maria blew it away! This  lady who believed in you more than herself cannot work anymore. Her brother was your diehard hard supporter until you lied to him, when you told him you would help his sister as soon as you passed the budget!

    Because of that lie believing you could make a fool out of her brother; your lie cause him to turn against you; he shall be you nightmare as long as you are in politics!

    That will teach you to stop being a liar!

    • Man bites dogs
      December 20, 2018

      Francisco, How comes you can remember PM Skerrit said 10years ago and you pretending not to remember all the nasties and criminal activities so-called workers got on with in just 4years. Today we have a real statesman PM Skerrit and his administration the best better than the rest this man has visions from a far this is what you call a genius Lord Skerrit prime minister. And to you so-called bible bashers the word Lord dosenot means God.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        December 21, 2018

        Since I do not know your name, or who you are; I am compelled to call you Mr. or Mrs. Dog eh! I do remember that crook Roosevelt Skerrit and all the nasty lies he’s been telling all of his natural life; he is a pathetic compulsive liar!

        He tell so many lies, that as soon as they are spoken by him; he instantly forget his own lie; he gets instant amnesia, thus when he hear the lie he created speak by someone he believe it; take it and run with it eh!

        Now, regarding the UWP less than five  year tenure; all I can remember are all good things such as the building of secondary schools in the villages, bringing pipe running water to a few villages where the people were slave for years going to get water from springs.

        In less than four years we remember the the first phase of construction of an International Airport; the same one a certain prime minister father shut down eh!

      • Man bites dogs
        December 21, 2018

        @ Francisco my boy you are the best Lair ever also you must be having mad man sindrom 😡

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        December 21, 2018

        Okay, call me lie if you wish I don’t care because everything I wrote in that submission can surely be authenticated. Before I argue with you I demand you identify what I said in that submission that is a lie!

        By the way the terminology (word) is not sindrome! It is suppose to be “syndrome.” and let me define the word syndrome to you in medical terms; call me lie again but I am a medical school dropout; note, I learned enough to perhaps save your life if the opportunity ever comes along. 

        Note: syndrome is a combination of symptoms resulting from a single cause, or so commonly occurring together as to constitute a distinct chemical picture, and picture in this case do not mean a photograph!

        Now feel free to quote the lie I told!

      • Man bites dogs
        December 22, 2018

        Francisco, I’ll be sending you two front teeth for Christmas only if you can stop making a fool out of your self by telling lies 😹

  18. jamie
    December 20, 2018

    Keep on fooling the fools Skerrit ,buy them bit by bit,your reign will end soon.

  19. MERRY X-MAS
    December 20, 2018

    HoHoHo! All kakadoc is missing is the beard and hair. Unfortunately Kakadoc is a ball eagle even if Rosie once had a big afro( if you know what I mean) KakaDoc is fat and has a fat face.
    All’s in the mix sorrel, fruit cake, wine, ginger beer mixed in with a little or big corruption like a home as a gift from Kaka even if you’ll get that gift later say on Apirl 1st 2019.

  20. Just4 laughs but
    December 20, 2018

    Hey! what you expect? It’s x-mas and Kakadoc is handing out big gifts even if you’ve been bad or good.
    Kaka Doc gives from the brain more than the heart.

  21. Addictedness-Anonanus
    December 20, 2018

    The state of relying on being controlled by someone or something else is dependence.
    Habit forming ej Alcohol we are already under this control, Marijuana already also soon to be legalized like the former.
    Anon is already addicted to posting lol. Ever noticed Jimmy Kimmel always end his show mentioning Mark Damon?

  22. MWEN
    December 20, 2018

    I really see this as a failure. Government having to build houses for so many people, in a country with such a small population. Why didn’t they have insurance. Can no one rebuild their own home? This money could be used for other stuff that could help reduce the skyrocketing unemployment in the country

    • Joe Linton
      December 20, 2018

      mwen think of it, building a home requires builders, painters etc… isn’t that creating employment??? or the house will be built solely by the politicians???

      guess you never thought of it that way right? oh btw all the builders are from the local communities…. Guess the uwp would not have been so compassionate to the plight of the masses eh…..

      • Frank N Stein
        December 20, 2018

        All the builders are Skerrit brother and the Fast company aka skerrit gangs

      • Joseph John
        December 20, 2018

        Joe Linton even people who did not go to school understand policy execution for job creation. So ignore those people who want to drag others to their low levels, who do not have a clue of what economic drivers are.

    • Yoww
      December 20, 2018

      It barely have jobs and good paying jobs .. How they building/fixing house?

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