Families receive housing assistance

Austrie. File photo

More families are set to benefit from the government’s squatter regularization program, Minister for Housing Reginald Austrie has revealed.

Speaking on stated-owned DBS radio on Thursday night, Austrie disclosed that the Dominica cabinet recently agreed to assist about 40 individuals under the program.

Of those getting assistance, 15 of them are from the Yander and Canefield areas while about 25 are from the Fond Cole and Stockfarm.

The squatter regularization program is an extension of the Government’s Housing Revolution, an initiative launched by the Roosevelt Skerrit-led administration in 2007. Government said its mission, through the program, is to improve the state of housing in Dominica and by extension enhance lives of citizens.

“Come June, by the end of this financial year, the government would have impacted the lives of 600 families multiplied by five,” Austrie pointed out

Austrie spoke highly of the housing program saying that it has been making a considerable difference in the lives of many Dominicans.

“At the end of the last financial year, we’re talking about 400 families, and multiply 5 by 400 and tell me the number of people that have been impacted by this policy position taken by Roosevelt Skerrit and the Dominica Labour Party government,” he noted.

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36 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    February 7, 2011

    :?: NONSENSE ALLU JUST SAYIN ALLU GOIN AND HELP FAMILIES IN NEED AND IS PEOPLE THAT HAVE MATERIALS THAT GETTIN AND THOSE THAT DOE HAVE NOT GETTING

  2. Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
    February 7, 2011

    The government is obligated to financially assist those who are unemployed and unable to obtain employment. In bygone years Dominicans were not so fortunate. I am pleased to see this effort of financially assisting those who are in dire need of. They must eat and be provided with housing which are the necessities of life. How else are they able to financially support themselves and if they have children if they do not have the means to do so?
    On the other hand the government should encourage those who are able to work to seek employment.
    The government should also make it mandatory that those who are receiving social assistance and are able-bodied to further their education that one day they may obtain employment or open their businesses.
    Why do Chinese people and other non-Dominicans who migrate to Dominica are able to open businesses in Dominica? Some of them cannot even speak English.
    Therefore, charity in this respect begins at home. Help your people first and ensure that they are helped accordingly, to open their own business. Educate them accordingly. Trade, Commerce and Industry this is where you also come in to assist those Dominicans who are unemployed and who are receiving government assistance.

  3. Dominican in the BVI
    February 6, 2011

    its good to see that the Government is lending a helping hand, to improve the lives of it’s people. I personally think that the Government should. 1 build some housing project and sell it at low cost. in doing so , the country can get back some money. the country need to prosper in every way. and we all need to help do just that.

  4. One Love
    February 6, 2011

    8-O IS HE THE “BONELESS BREAST” MINISTER?

  5. GET UP, STAND UP!!
    February 5, 2011

    Compliments to you Mr Minister. Permit me to ask: What are your plans for the Marigot Estate families who were given eviction notices last year? I need an answer ASAP!!

  6. Anonymous
    February 5, 2011

    too much free can stuff from open containers from the port. this man looks like someone who eats raw ration like corn beef harsh, and others without preparing them. its not that life is so good he seems to be greedy to eat. and what is/are these guys really doing that the people are so happy about? housing for squatters. and you’ll see the type of housing and who are the recipients. reginald austrie soon tailors may have to use wires, nails and hammer to make your suits. and your under wears may just be like a blouse. please for your health do some fasting and get on a real diet. no more free eggs, bacon and cornbeef.

  7. shoolmate
    February 5, 2011

    You knew how good it was to take an old mother from her bed to vote you but it is hard to turn back to give her some assistance .What are you doing for the people of the extreme North?You only know them when Election,ain’t it?We have a surprise next election if you live that long because looking at your photo ;its one thing I see, is your heart popping out your chest with fat all around it .Lavie good but heart attack will throw you down.

    • mouth of the south
      February 5, 2011

      oh oh,,, i mean i jus give blows,,,,but wishing death is a bit extreme don’t u think :evil: :twisted: :(

  8. Explainer
    February 5, 2011

    life must really be good. But seriously Reggies needs a serious diet. Anytime he will pop. That weight is not good for your health. I know Lavie bon , but you want to live to enjoy all the goodies you have acquired.

  9. negre mawon
    February 4, 2011

    The minister looks like he is exploding!!! Life must be GOOOOOOD!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

  10. great thinking
    February 4, 2011

    Yea, housing assistance is always good but we must consider the areas where the planning and building experts approve of for the Government’s Housing Revolution. Many of these areas are in risky zones, especially over these cliffs in Fond Colé and Yampiece. So we should not only applaud giving but the quality of what is given! If we are offering these lands for our people to squat and further develop, then we must make them knowledgeable of the risks and dangers surrounding some of the settlements. Then, the final decision rests with them.

  11. mouth of the south
    February 4, 2011

    i will never forget when this man went to soufriere n made fun of a disabled candidate on stage at a political rally,,,, it went like this “how can allu vote frampton,,, the man can’t even walk,,, my peeps just imagine if the parliament catch fire,,, how is this man going to escape,,, people including myself will just run n trample over frampton,,, even eddie and earl will walk over him,,,, eddie will bend n ask him if he alright n keep running,,,,, so my people u all cannot vote a man that cannot walk into the house,,,, he’ll not represent allu properly” i have never forgotten that time,,,, so low n quarse mentality

    • DA.stone cold
      February 4, 2011

      And your point

      • mouth of the south
        February 5, 2011

        in a civilized nation with democracy n respect for citizens regardless of colour,,,, creed,,, or medical conditions will recieve full respect especially from people trusted with the power to manage our affairs,,,,, don’t u think so,,,, in u.s or aunty england this guy would be kicked out of office the next second

    • wow
      February 5, 2011

      what does that have to do with the article? your point is what????

    • pointe michel
      February 5, 2011

      good point now he have the minister have an unhealthy body .he cannot never feel like he healthy .he feel very heavy he says that all the time . or she does.

  12. dominica i come from
    February 4, 2011

    Really what about this programme needs to be criticized? I just can’t understand
    the reason for all the negative comments. Way papa.God help us all

    • imakesense
      February 4, 2011

      nothing about the program should be criticized,but the point that’s being made is that he should be in no position to make fun of the disabled,i would rather say bye to the program and consider dignity and respect for all.

  13. Poule Coutouni
    February 4, 2011

    More Red Clinic handouts Austrie? What is there to shout about bro?

  14. Mamie
    February 4, 2011

    But they repo that lady house. What happen to the houses that Patrick John gave to the
    people dominica.

  15. DA.stone cold
    February 4, 2011

    So when we as a people going to come together and help to build our lovely country.Does everything have to be politices as usual.I mean every issue does not have to be he say they say or the other say.Sometimes i wonder what is it that has to be done or said to bring us together.

  16. god,s child
    February 4, 2011

    MR AUSTRIE,I THINK IT,S A GOOD IDEA TO HELP THE LESS FORTUNATE BUT I ALSO THINK IT WOULD BE A BETTER IDEA TO BRING IN MORE FOREIGN INVESTORS GIVE THEM ABOUT 5YRS TAX FREE LET THEM INVEST AND EMPLOY ONLY DOMINICANS ,THAT WAY MORE PEOPLE WILL HAVE JOBS AND BE BETTER ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THEMSELVES,BE LESS DEPENDANT ON GOVERNMENT AND BE ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES .LETS FACE IT MAYBE AFTER THE FIVE YRS THEY MIGHT LEAVE BUT WHATEVER THEY BUILD WILL REMAIN IN DOMINICA OR SOLD TO A NEW OWNE.R ANYWAY IT TURNS OUT DOMINICA WILL BE IMPROVING .TRUST ME WHERE I LIVE NOW IT WORKS OUT JUST FINE THAT WAY THERE WILL ALWAYS BE JOBS FOR YOUR PEOPLE . I THINK YOU SHOULD GIVE THAT A THOUGHT.

    • bb
      February 5, 2011

      you are absolutely right!!

  17. pussy willow
    February 4, 2011

    anytime this man talks he never comes up with something of importance or intelligence . Its always about some copycat ideas. Empty vessels always make the most noise. …..I hope he remembers the same jumby he sent to take allyene carbon is waiting patiently

  18. mr pepie
    February 4, 2011

    What about Portsmouth and around Dominica there are still family that need home all over Dominica soraed the program around MR papie

  19. wonder
    February 4, 2011

    DOMINICANS will never be satisfied..don’t matter what party is in power.

    • Hey just giving my two cents
      February 4, 2011

      Some even if you give them all the money in the Bank, Some will still not be satisfied. Peace with your Father in Heaven, yourself and your fellowmen is what brings satisfaction. Only God brings satisfaction!

  20. Reon
    February 4, 2011

    Labour my support for you guys is growing thin!!! While these programs are good programs, can we deal with some real issues. Handouts can only go thus far!!! This will not sustain a generation. Roads and seawalls and all these things are good but what are we doing to improve tourism or attract inverstors. When you guys start making this your primary focus then i will know you guys are serious about building DA. Giving someone a house may be good for the invidual but will do no good for the enconomic growth of the country.

    Boss man i getting fedup!!! What are we voting for???

    Ashton, i really enjoyed your articles and wanted to know if there are plans to start a new party because Labour is a joke and UWP worst!!!

    Lets us know boss Dominica need some new young thinking people

  21. responding
    February 4, 2011

    i thought someone just exlplained that your houseing revolution is a joke. the term housing revolution should not be used. housing revolution means all aspect of the econly should be affected.

    and no lives are being enhanced. maybe their living condition but not their lives. someone’s life can’t be enhanced when gthey ar still jobless, struggleing to pay thier bills,

  22. .......
    February 4, 2011

    So what about those who got letters to pay or take back.

  23. NEUTRAL
    February 4, 2011

    The first thing that came to my mind is the situation in Melville Hall. Not Edison but the labour party
    representative should be front and center on this. To gain some credibility the labour party supporters in Marigot should show that it is not all about politics but looking out for the welfare of their fellow villagers. That is how you gain peoples trust. Mr. Austrie should be ashame to make such a statement while the Melville Hall situation has not been resolved.

    • responding
      February 4, 2011

      totally had forgeotten about tht myself. man do thse people actually think. then again they are thinking it’s all about politics,

      and how about relcating the people along the west coast area.

      • responding
        February 4, 2011

        to add i’ll like to say that maybe planns were already made for these individual/ area but …………

  24. CHAVEZ JR.
    February 4, 2011

    What about the Marigot case Mr. minister, lets give that some priority, all a we are one nation.

  25. Disclaimer
    February 4, 2011

    I want in that too. A set of UP allu helping and they turning back an talk against yall and the true labourites allu docking!!!

    • anonymous
      February 4, 2011

      one blood.

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