Charlestown-Nevis—Wednesday 15th June was a very significant day in the lives of three families on Nevis.
That was the day when Minster responsible for Social Development in the Nevis Island Administration, Hon. Hazel Brandy -Williams, along with an entourage of officials from her Ministry, officially handed over three houses to three families at different points of the island.
The handing over ceremonies commenced in Brick Kiln Village where a one bedroom house was officially handed over to Miss Marjorie Walters
Chairperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Mr. Keith Glasgow, lauded the Minister for her efforts to alleviate poverty and in assisting persons in need. He noted that Social workers were sent out to do the necessary research to discover such individuals.
Hon. Hazel Brandy- Williams noted that her Ministry is making every effort in assisting the poor and indigent in the community.
She noted that Marjorie Walters is known for visiting sick persons in the community and assisting them in their social care and noted that her case was high on the list in terms of assistance.
Mrs. Glorita Vaughn, a family member, thanked the Minister and the Ministry for making the dream of a home for Marjorie a reality.
The house will be furnished by a family member, in the near future.
The house was blessed by Father Rudolph Smithen who thanked God for his mercies and blessings and sought his protection of the house and its occupant/s.
The next stop was in Butlers Village and Mr. Glasgow explained that renovations were made to the original house and extensions made. This was done at the home of the family of Egbert Clarke and Mr. Glasgow explained that the Ministry of Social Development’s work team, did the necessary assessments before the work was carried out.
Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams in her remarks noted that the newly renovated house would be accommodation for three generations of the family which included great grandmother; grandmother and mother. She stated that there was need for the family to have more space and the need was great and the Ministry was happy to assist in this regard.
She was quick to point out that persons would only be helped after the necessary and relevant assessments are done and the needs are prioritized.
Mr. Egbert Clarke then extended thanks to the Nevis Island Administration for ‘improving the lives of his family members.’
He stated that he knew that it would have cost a lot of money and wished God’s blessings on the Minister and the entire Nevis Island Administration.
He then proceeded to officially bless the new house.
The next stop was in the village of Hickman’s, where the keys of a newly renovated and extended house, were handed over to Miss Ingrid Browne and family.
Hon Hazel Brandy Williams noted that Miss Browne lived in the previous home with her son and family but noted that they were in dire need of help.
The previous home had bathroom facilities on the outside but the new addition included an inside bathroom facility and a kitchen.
She pointed out that with her disability, Miss Browne usually had difficulties using the outside facilities and now she would be a lot more comfortable.
She thanked her son for assisting with the construction and Mr. Sylvester Browne and his work crew who completed the job.
She also thanked all of the community persons and neighbours who assisted Miss Browne and had special words of commendation for Miss Joyce Moven for her part in assisting Miss Browne.
Miss Ingrid Browne then simply expressed thanks and noted that in times past, she would fall in the yard and end up in a state of unconsciousness, due to her disability.
Rev. Kareem White-Richardson then congratulated Miss Browne and the Ministry of Social Development on the completion of the project and duly blessed the new house.
Included in the party accompanying Minister Hazel Brandy-Williams, was Asst. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Miss D. Michelle Liburd.