PM Particularly Pleased That NSHP is Providing Homes for Persons with Disabilities
By: , January 27, 2025
Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second right), hands New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) beneficiary, Jephtah McIntosh (second left), the keys to his new home as well as a social contract, in Town Head, Westmoreland, on Friday (January 24). Sharing the moment (from left) are Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western, Morland Wilson, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Arlene Williams.The Full Story
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) continues to prioritise building homes for vulnerable Jamaicans, particularly those with disabilities.
Dr. Holness was addressing the handover ceremony for a new one-bedroom unit to visually impaired Jephtah McIntosh, in Town Head, Westmoreland, on January 24.
The unit was constructed at a cost of $5.6 million.
“One of the things that I’m particularly proud of with this programme, is that it has assisted many Jamaicans who are vulnerable. We have assisted persons who are wheelchair-bound and persons who have other physical disabilities,” he said.
“We have assisted persons with visual impairments before and it has meant a world of a difference in their lives. and I’m happy to be able to hand this house over to you today,” he told Mr. McIntosh.
The Prime Minister encouraged the new homeowner to ensure that the house is maintained and to continue to be an upstanding citizen in his community.
In his response, Mr. McIntosh thanked Dr. Holness, Member of Parliament, Morland Wilson and Parish Organiser for the National Council for Senior Citizens in Westmorland, Paula Murray, who played a part in ensuring he got a new home.
“I’m so happy, I’m so joyful, I’m so glad. Because if it wasn’t for you and your vision and the Administration that you lead, this wouldn’t be possible. Mr. Prime Minister, God bless you, sir,” he said.
“I never dreamed that I would be sitting beside the Prime Minister in my country. I can’t even find words to describe my feelings. To know that I am a recipient of a nice, constructed, well-decent home to call my own for the rest of my life. It’s amazing,” Mr. McIntosh said.
The NSHP was developed to improve the housing condition of the country’s poor and disadvantaged population by providing quality, affordable and sustainable housing.