16 Woodford Hill families begin new chapter with climate-resilient homes in Dominica

Roseau, Dominica: Sixteen new families have received climate resilient homes in Woodford Hill on Monday morning through an official “Welcome Home Ceremony.” Beneficiaries expressed their feelings and extended gratitude for the home which could fulfill their dreams of having their own place after the wrath of natural calamities.

One of the beneficiaries named Jemma Lesli, broke down in tears talking about her struggle of providing a safe and secure roof to her three kids. “Through every difficult moment, I held on to one prayer that my boys would have a stable home, could feel safe, loved and free to dream.”

Lewis noted that now that prayer has been answered as receiving this home here is not simply receiving four walls and a roof, instead it is receiving peace after uncertainty, shelter after struggle, and the precious gift of knowing that my children finally have a safe place to call their own.

She said that she could now look into the eyes and tell them this is their home and within this home, they will share meals, celebrate birthdays, comfort one another, laugh together and grow through every season of life.

Lewis thanked the government of Dominica and said, “You have not only changed where we live, you have changed how we face tomorrow. Thank you for giving my children not just a house, but a home and for giving our family a new beginning.”

Another beneficiary also took a moment to express her happiness and said that she is deeply thankful for the beautiful three bedroom home that has been given to her and her family.

She narrated her situation and said that life has not always been easy. “I have worked hard on the farm, raising, rising early in the morning and continuing until the day work was done. I planted care for crops and faced the heat, rain and many uncertain reasons through my. Through every challenge I kept going because my children depend on me.”

The beneficiary explained that this three bedroom home gave her children and grandchildren a secure place where they could rest, grow, learn and spend time together.

It gives them shelter from bad weather and space to create happy family memories. “After years of working and hoping I can sleep with greater peace, knowing that my family has a safe roof over our head.”

Further, Housing Minister Melissa Skerrit also welcomed and congratulated 16 families for receiving keys to their new homes. She said that Woodford Hill is rising and Wesley is rising and the people of it are rising too.

“So you're not just receiving a house, you have an asset that is worth. Do you know how much these houses are worth? About $450,000. And as time goes by, it will appreciate. And this is an asset that you can pass on to your children,” Melissa Skerrit said.

Talking about the significance of the house, Melissa Skerrit added that the house is not just for today, it is hurricane resilient category five resilient home, this will stand the test of time, and any hurricane that passed, they might just be soundproof.

“You're not hearing orange drops on your head. You are not going to live in fear. You're going to sit there with your tea and watch what's going out on the other side of the hill.”

She further talked about the potential of the small business owners in the constituency and noted that invest it, save it and build something for themselves and start a small business.