Jost Van Dyke resident Mr. Carlton Hendricks is the latest recipient of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s social home as part of its Housing Recovery Assistance Programme.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley handed over the keys of the new home to Mr. Hendricks and said that Jost Van Dyke was one of the places that was hit hard during the 2017 hurricanes.

Honourable Wheatley said the Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to helping families and persons restore their homes to pre-hurricane state.

“I want to thank the ministry’s team and the Project Manager for all the work that they do,” Honourable Wheatley said. He added, “It is a very small team, but they are able to carry out a lot of work in all the districts. It always nice to see the smiles and gratitude people express when receiving the keys to their homes.”

Second District Representative, Honourable Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing efforts of the ministry in supporting the residents of Jost Van Dyke through the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme. He acknowledged the ministry’s commitment to helping those who lost their homes in the devastating 2017 hurricanes through his persistent commitment and effort.

Honourable Turnbull said, “This marks the completion of the sixth home rebuilt for displaced families on Jost Van Dyke. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the team at the Ministry of Health and Social Development for their unwavering dedication to serving the people of the Second District and wider Virgin Islands. Their work has brought hope and relief to families in need.”

Honourable Turnbull also congratulated Mr. Carlton Hendricks on the completion of his new home, a symbol of resilience and a fresh start.

 Mr. Hendricks thanked the ministry for making it possible for him to move into a new home, stating “I thank you for everything you have done for me and my family.”

Meanwhile, Project Manager at Project Management and Construction Solutions Mr. Marquese Maduro commended the construction team for the work done on the home.

 Mr. Maduro said, ‘This project was a bit trickier than the others because it was a pre-existing home and there was a lot of workarounds. So, I congratulate the contractor and his team because having the homes on the outer islands, there are issues with transportation and other elements that must be overcome but as normal they deliver a stellar home.”

Representative of Construction Engineering Systems (B.V.I) Ltd. Mr. David Fonseca thanked the Ministry of Health and Social Development for providing their company the opportunity to construct a home for Mr. Hendricks.

Mr. Fonseca added, “It is always a pleasure to deliver a social home, especially to a senior citizen. It is nice to give them something in return for their stellar work in the community over the years.”

More than 25 homes have been built and over 200 repaired since the inception of the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.