UPDATE: Single mothers get housing assistance

One of the houses under construction

Portsmouth MP Ian Douglas says ten single mothers and their families can expect to be housed soon in “Petrocasa” houses being constructed through Venezuelan assistance.

According to Douglas 50 applicants have already put in their bids to obtain one of the houses.

The buildings, mainly three bedroom houses, are among 50 being constructed in Portsmouth and four other locations around the island.

The other Petrocasa project sites are at Castle Bruce, Grandbay, Trafalgar and Stock Farm.

“We are at an advanced stage of completion, nearing completion for those houses,” MP Douglas told a visiting delegation led by Venezuelan Ambassador Carmen Martinez de Grijalva, and including other resident diplomats, among them the Chinese and Cuban ambassadors.

The MP said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has indicated that these houses should go primarily to “singe mothers with a lot of children who are really overburdened with rent and other commitments”.

Douglas indicated the PM Skerrit had been inclined to give those houses free to needy single mothers.

The Portsmouth MP said however that the government wanted to sustain the problem by ensuring that the Petrocasa project is extended.

“The prime minister would really like us to really give the  houses away, and I am saying Prime Minister I would like the programme to continue, so we have to have a sort of fund.  So even if it’s a minimal payment we hope that the single mothers who will be occupying those houses will be able to pay,” Douglas said.

Venezuelan Ambassador Martinez de Grijava said the housing project was being done under the ALBA Bolivarian Alternative, and that those criticizing Dominica’s membership in ALBA should take note of the kinds of programmes benefiting Dominicans being done under that initiative.
“We are working for the people, these houses are for the people,” she said.

The “Petrocasa” houses are described as PVC – housing units that are accessible, safe and resistant.

One of the houses under construction

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72 Comments

  1. ya kill me, si!!!!!!
    June 12, 2012

    with all what everyone has to say, remember that some women are left with their kids becauses the husband decided to leave with another woman, or he died, or he took the wrong road and ended up in jail. single mothers dont plan on having life this way.
    stop being so lowminded and narrow minded and have a heart.
    for what ever the reason for being a single mom is, they are suffering it and many single moms i know are hardworking people looking out for the best for thier kids.
    may god have mercy on you all

  2. Anonymous
    April 2, 2012

    Give family planning with the house to stop more babies that would be a good idea

  3. ideal
    April 1, 2012

    Forkit, you know if u dont vote labour you wont get any of these perks, so places like concord, marigot salsbury are out of luck, we have to fend for ourselves

  4. discrimination
    April 1, 2012

    Are they more human than married women?
    Their Child maintenance is tax free
    While married persons are taxed for having children in wedlock.
    It costs a married person $155.25 =$100+35%tax+15%VAT to buy a $100.00 school shoe for their child.
    While the same shoe costs only $ =100-for the outside child.

    Hence why so many politicians either having children outside or divorcing their wives.

  5. \\\\\\\\\
    March 31, 2012

    I hear they give keys already and a Spanish woman is theholder of one of the houses. do all you investigation, because this is unfair.

  6. Mr. Winstunner
    March 31, 2012

    Congrats on the effort by the Gov’t. I just hope its not a scheme to please the HAIRY BANK TELLERS. Do the appropriate survey to give the houses to individuals who are really in need.

  7. Mr. Winstunner
    March 31, 2012

    Congrats on the effort by the gov’t. I just hope that its not another scheme to please the HAIRY BANK TELLERS. Do the appropriate survey to give the houses to deserving individuals. One more thing, if the houses should be FREE

  8. Anonymous
    March 30, 2012

    I sorry I too old to make children, I would go and make some children and wait to get a house too.

  9. FAIRNESS
    March 30, 2012

    These houses are very nice they will not rot and they have toilet and bathroom even master bedroom. I am happy for the single mothers who will be given these houses.

    • CorkStreet
      March 31, 2012

      ARE they built to with stand a cat #1 hurricane???????????????????????R.S.V.P.

  10. \\\\\\\\\
    March 30, 2012

    I welcome the lobbing for Judy Sango family. However, the house they are now living is a brand new house that was given to them. Big men and women living there. Give them aother one it will be in a worst condition.

    judy cannot help but the others can keep it clean.

  11. Florida
    March 30, 2012

    I do hope there is bathroom and toilet, the roof is very flat.
    I do hope that Judy Sango family get’s one. From the video I saw, they are really in need of one this would help her living condition. She soon to be a teenager, If they can’t get one then their home need upgrading with a new stove. Some people are quick to say they have one already but have you seen the condition?? We need to be more loving in our hearts. And also remember her in prayer. This young lady said she wants to be a Judge, and by God’s grace and favour nothing is impossible. God bless those who are helping the poor and needy….bless those who care for others more than themselves. God see’s the heart of every caring heart.

  12. Pan African Muslim
    March 30, 2012

    People can say what they want but Labor party winning the next election.

    This housing project for the needy is very good one. We hope the people utilizing them will take care of the houses, manage their affairs properly.

    Oh women stop making children out of wedlock, you are not an animal in heat where you have sex and children every year…build and balance your lives. :)

  13. Andrew
    March 29, 2012

    Excellent initiative. Congrats to the government for giving something concrete back to the people that will really make a difference. This will be wonderful for the children. (please don’t forget about the single parent Dads)

    • March 31, 2012

      LIKE JAMMAS AND MOBILE MAN. I GLORY AH SAY, DAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.

  14. Noah
    March 29, 2012

    Hello Dominicans wake up and give Jah praise and thanks. That’s a good gesture. Look at Jimmit, when they gave houses people say it was cardboard, and today all turn to concrete, every body expand to bigger houses boundary to boundary. Jimmit now have, nurse, doctor, lawyer, teacher, pastor just name it.It is a start. Learn to appreciate, be thankful so the blessings can flow.Amen

  15. Roseau
    March 29, 2012

    Boy I well in need of a house… :oops: :oops:

  16. March 29, 2012

    I DO HOPE AND PRAY THAT JUDY DANGO’S MOTHER IS ONE OF THOSE TO RECEIVE SUCH ASSISTANCE, THOUGH SHE NEEDS MORE THAN A HOUSE, SHE ALSO NEEDS HELP FOR HER DAUGHTER.

    • March 31, 2012

      DNO COULD CAST A POLL; FOR AND AGAISNT JUDY AND MUM.

  17. stoic
    March 29, 2012

    ok i see it says that these buildings will go primarily to single mothers and i think that is wrong….

    .the welfare system in America have lots of these stupid criteria…… you need to make a certain amount of money to be eligible (very little)………and you know what happens because of that…people don’t work so they can Get assisted…because if they work and make 20 dollars over the said amount they do not qualify……
    it’s like their aim is to keep people in poverty…and the aim should be to help people to alleviate themselves

    many black families were broken because of this….the husband needed to leave the home in order for his kids to receive help…

    there are lots of men with families in Dominica these men are the single bread winner in these homes…they are unskilled and make very little money and are unable to properly provide for their family like they should … their living conditions are horrible …

    so i think you should reconsider the criteria for these houses.

    • stoic
      March 29, 2012

      ok this is the one that should be posted dno

  18. (.) (.)
    March 29, 2012

    Make sure Judy Sango’s family get a house.

  19. Grain Sel
    March 29, 2012

    Wow, is it me or this is madness
    those houses are made out of plastic (PVC)
    how in the world are you going to have peoples living in them
    that material (please correct me if i am wrong)is highly flammable,
    I don’t think that’s the way to go( they need work.
    And i hope that this is not going to be a replica of the nonsense (nastiness)that they did in CHANCE, giving peoples houses without washrooms,plus the peoples kept the place in a mess,garbage everywhere,a total disrespect to the litter act,A really pig style.
    how ever i will still not vote for him next time around,we need better representation in Portsmouth.

    • March 31, 2012

      CANT HE GIVE JUDY DEM ONE OF THE VIOLET VILLAS?

  20. stoic
    March 29, 2012

    ok i see it says that these buildings will go primarily to single mothers and i think that is wrong….you are sending a message…

    some might just go have a baby if they want a house and land…..the welfare system in America have lots of these stupid criteria.. you need to make a certain amount of money to be eligible….and you know what happens because of that…people don’t work so they can Get assisted…because if they work and make 20 dollars over the said amount they do not qualify….

    many black families were broken because of this….the husband needed to leave the home in order for his kids to receive help…

    there are lots of men with families in Dominica these men are the single bread winner in these homes…they are unskilled and make very little money and are unable to properly provide for their family like they should … their living conditions is horrible ….so i think you should reconsider the criteria for these houses

    • stoic
      March 29, 2012

      ok forget the part about having baby too get a house and land…but the rest should be taken seriously….especially since this is going to be an ongoing project

  21. Satelite
    March 29, 2012

    Thanks DNO, for the photos. For a person in need of a proper roof, this is certainly satisfying expecially considering it’s a “gift”.

  22. stoic
    March 29, 2012

    Can they withstand strong wind?

    • stoic
      March 29, 2012

      Papgod …why do I envision this housetumbling down the r oad whenn a hurricane hit

      • stoic
        March 29, 2012

        Ok I on my phone ..I see the foundation ok…

    • Malgraysa
      March 29, 2012

      That’s a minor issue. Of far more concern is fire! PVC does burn and the fumes coming off it are so toxic, they will kill you before the flames get hold of you.

    • Aunty B
      March 29, 2012

      THAT IS A GREAT QUESTION ! ! ! THE LAST SMALL WIND THAT PASSED IN STOCKFARM…. ALL THE HOUSES FELL.. I SAW THEM MYSELF.. I JUST HOPE THEY HAVE SOMEHOW REINFORCED THOSE HOUSES.

  23. remember Judy Sango
    March 29, 2012

    wow, i passed in the chances area a couple of month ago, and the area with the houses look great…the road and area is up to par….I do hope that Judy Sango family get’s one. From the video i saw, they could really use one…this would help Judy even better if she lives in a better condition. And also remember her in prayer guys!! This young lady said she wants to be a Judge, and by God’s grace and favour nothing is impossible. God bless those who are helping the poor and needy….bless those who care for others more than themselves. God see’s the heart of every caring heart.

  24. March 29, 2012

    I am truly hoping Mr. Douglas that Judy Sango and her family are one out of the ten families.

    • people voice
      March 29, 2012

      Judy an dem have a good house already, they doh need one, thank you, all she needs is help to get an operation done to her leg so she can walk perfectly.

      • Anonymous
        March 29, 2012

        That house in the video is a good house. if that is their house for real you too wicked. Judy need a house

  25. winston warrington
    March 29, 2012

    erratum – ” do not deserve to be treated as such”.

    • winston
      March 30, 2012

      i see u still using my name

  26. me
    March 29, 2012

    I WANT ONE WI

  27. FORKIT
    March 29, 2012

    when you travel to marigot via concord, there are two houses that is in such a deplorable state, you can even see them people sleeping on their bed from the main road…
    i know the government have seen them already because that is where de taximan eddy does pass.
    these are the people that really need help. some of these people in posse have house already, yet they getting more…
    HELP THEM PEOPLE IN CONCORD

  28. Malgraysa
    March 29, 2012

    This is one way of increasing a declining population and reducing poverty levels.Clever move Reggie. If in Need, Breed!

  29. Chakademus
    March 29, 2012

    Just remember: You get more of what you subsidize…

  30. tehbeh
    March 29, 2012

    I HOPE JUDY SANGO N FAM GET ONE!!!!!

    • demo
      March 29, 2012

      they already got one through the a first project in possie, they were the first four receiptient

  31. So it is sometimes
    March 29, 2012

    hmmm

  32. d king
    March 29, 2012

    hmm i hope who really need them get them eh

    • real
      March 30, 2012

      You hope, but this is not so, too much unfairness, injustice, and politics playing a heavy hand. I have nothing more saying, it will all come out.

  33. sandy
    March 29, 2012

    Ian,

    Hope the Lawrences in Lagon with the blue little shop get one.

    • demo
      March 29, 2012

      it have way more needy families

    • B.E.B
      March 29, 2012

      Did you say “little shop”then if some one has a shop, big or small,why cant they build themselves a tidy home?

  34. UNKNOWN
    March 29, 2012

    CONGATES TO ALL THE FAMILIES WHO GOT THE HOUSES.EXCELLENT WORK FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

  35. Think About It
    March 29, 2012

    Before you put them in the new homes I hope you spay and neuter them to avoid more children. Because some of them think it’s so cute to have so many children without help from their fathers, and suck our blood like vampires to pay for their good times.Please do not judge me wrong I have nothing against single mothers, but the ones who continue having more after one or two children is pitiful I resent them. I work hard for my money and my taxes are not paying for their sweetness.

    • Waitukubuli
      March 29, 2012

      I am in total agreement with you. I am against people CARELESSLY having children and moreso, at the expense of others.

    • winston warrington
      March 29, 2012

      The terms of your remarks are usually reserved for dogs and other domesticated animals; poor, ignorant or not, our citizens deserve to be considered and treated as such.

      • Malatete
        March 29, 2012

        Remember,all citizens mr. Warrington! Including those, who have to put their hands in their pocket to subsidize others’ irresponsible and fickle, behaviour. Those, who are aware of their social obligations are not obliged to stay “mou mou” and are well within their rights to criticize those, who prefer to follow a parasitic lifestyle at others’ expense.

      • NatureBoy
        March 30, 2012

        Why all the dislikes? Winston is right. More dignified terms need to be used in applying to humans. Humans can’t simply be caught like animals, spayed/neutered and placed in a cage. If you said that recipients should be educated or warned in advance regarding additional child-bearing, then that would sound far more dignifying to a human made in God’s image.

      • renegade dad
        March 30, 2012

        Good job!! Winston.

    • FED UP DOMINICAN
      March 29, 2012

      100% in agreement.

      I to don’t have anything against the majority of single mothers, they loved and trusted someone who let them down. Its the ones who continue to have kids with no thought for their future,no means of looking after them, and for some sad reason always need a man in their life who is of no use to them or their kids.

      Hope this initiative will be the turning point for them, and it will bring peace of mind and a steady home for the mothers and their children.

    • dicky
      March 29, 2012

      I hope you never become needed and in need of a house. The greater a man thinks he is, is the harder he falls. Also the only thing that goes up and never come down is a person age. You might think that you are all up there with your job, but you can lose it in the wink of an eye. Would’nt you like to get one of those houses if you were one that was making all those children. people have a right to make their children. Every one who supported that comment you all should be ashame of yourselves.

      • Waitukubul i
        March 31, 2012

        Of course, people have a right to make children; however, with that right comes responsibilities. Children are people too and they have a right to a decent life, not misery. Children are not objects that cannot eat and drink. Some people can hardly meet their first child’s basic needs, yet they continue to “recklessly” procreate and think that others owe them and start giving sad stories in an attempt to “gain”. I like helping people a lot, but I refuse to allow anyone to USE me.

        As the Chinese proverbs says “give a man a fish, you feed him for one day, teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime”.

        Some people don’t want to learn to fish. Instead, they want a fish handed to them everyday.

      • Malatete
        March 31, 2012

        Dicky, of course people have a right to make children but they also have a duty to look after them. Children don’t ask to be born. If you can’t afford them, don’t have them!

    • real
      March 30, 2012

      Some people that get houses are well of, teachers, etc. Don’t fool all you sekves or set you all hopes to high, them houses have their owners already. They even cleaning and setting up their houses already, Go there on weekends you will see them, all those who can afford.

    • Man in Dominica
      March 30, 2012

      Less severe, birth control pills and condoms should be made free. Much cheaper than paying for children. We probably need better education as to birth control too, because I have talked with many Dominicans who for some reason don’t think birth control is effective at preventing pregnancy.

  36. Satelite
    March 29, 2012

    DNO, is it possible to obtain a sample photo of these houses? I would love to see how they look. Thanking you in advance.

    A roof above one’s head is always rewarding.

  37. De-Unexpected
    March 29, 2012

    I saw them at chance. They look so much like plastic . But I’m happy for the single moms. Jah Bless!

  38. Court Officer
    March 29, 2012

    I hope it’s truly the needy that receive and not people that have 10 acres of land somewhere hiding. I’d be lieing if I said I wasn’t a bit jealous but do good and it will come back to you and I believe that children should have stability growing up and providing housing for these people only serves to help them in this matter.

  39. PUSS
    March 29, 2012

    I am not a single mother but i sure would like to obtain one of those houses as a means of moving forward as an independent young lady.
    On the other hand, i hope these young women put this opportunity to good use and appreciate the effort Mr.Douglas has made and not use it as a medium to let other men come in your zone and try to control you put ya’ll foot down.

    • Malgraysa
      March 29, 2012

      Well Puss, you see! You will have to breed first and become dependent, so you know who owns your vote. Independent young lady? No, no, that wont do at all. Imagine, you’d be free to make up your own mind and that is a threat to those who demand unconditional loyalty and want total control.

  40. Anonymous
    March 29, 2012

    I hope is single mothers that are in need, and not pull string or who knows who

    • B.E.B
      March 29, 2012

      I do hope that a proper survey will be carried out, to give those who are in need of these homes

  41. Peeping Tom
    March 29, 2012

    Great!!

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