Dominica: 11 Families receive keys to climate resilient homes in Canefield East

Roseau, Dominica: Eleven families have received keys to climate-resilient homes in Canefield East on Friday evening through an official “Handing Over Ceremony.” Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit expressed delight and said that this is a day of happiness as beneficiaries have received a place that they can call their own.

“This is the day that 11 families will remember for the rest of their lives, because today they're receiving security, comfort, and peace of mind,” said the prime minister. He called this feeling great as these people will open their own houses where their families will live, so this is a moment worth celebrating.

PM Skerrit said that he knows what housing means to ordinary families because as the government of Dominica, they cannot turn their back on the people. The government always has to find ways to help for the real situations affection real people such as leaking roof, a poor family paying rent every month and cannot get ahead, or too many people are getting fit into a small space and children have nowhere comfortable way to study.

“All these are the reasons why I have remained personally committed to housing and this is why the Dominica Labour Party government continues to invest in housing.”

He said that the government is committed to the mission that is aimed at improving the lives of ordinary people, because they must stand with the people, not only in words, but in deeds and actions.

Now, these 11 families do not have to depend on promises as they are receiving keys and walking into their homes. As DLP has always stood for real help for real people. PM Skerrit also announced that they will construct the remaining six homes as 17 homes were promised for the community.

“I have asked the Minister for housing that we should commence the construction of the remaining six homes immediately, so that those who are waiting can be satisfied,” said the prime minister.

Home is a sanctuary for families: Melissa Skerrit

Minister of Housing, Melissa Skerrit also expressed satisfaction after handing over homes and said that a home is far more than just walls, it's their sanctuary. She said that it's about their dignity, their stability, their identity, and the confidence of knowing that they have a place in this world, a place in Dominica to truly call their own.

Melissa Skerrit said, “We care about the people, and so we don't turn away the most vulnerable because just because they cannot afford it, we put a key in their hands, a roof over their heads and dignity back into their lives.”

She said that it's not just in Canfield, in the coming times, we will hand over 200 homes in nine communities across Dominica. The Labour government is not just building homes, they are building the future of Dominica, a resilient housing for people.

“As a government, we take pride in providing housing stability, the protection of a basic human right to reduce poverty in Dominica.”

She said that with these homes, families will be able to remain in their communities and neighbourhoods become more stronger, local businesses grow, public services become more sustainable, and hope begins to flourish.

Beneficiaries extended gratitude to the government

Verlin Moses, a beneficiary who received a home in Canefield, extended gratitude to the government and said that the home has changed their lives. She lost home three times due to which she has gone through a lot.

“We lost our first home when a huge boulder came down and destroyed it in 2017. We lost our second home by Hurricane Maria. Then in 2020, we lost our third home by another massive boulder. Each time, we didn't just lose a home, but we lost a place of comfort and memories. It was painful and starting over each time felt impossible.”

She said that because of this caring government, they have a new home, a safe home, a home that has been given to them at no cost.

Another beneficiary extended gratitude for his home that has been given to her family.

“In 2017, I lost my home and everything I owned to Hurricane Maria. Then just four months later, I lost my mother to cancer, leaving my younger sisters in my care.”

She expressed gratitude to the government that has carried her through these difficult times.