Compassionate Physically Challenged Resident in Roehampton, St. James Gets NSHP Home

Having a disability, on top of losing one’s mother and having to take care of an elderly father are, arguably, challenges that can break a person’s spirit.

But not Thressa Irving of Roehampton, St. James, who has had to deal with these issues, coupled with the quest to acquire her own home.

That goal was achieved on January 31 when Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, presented her with the keys to a house in the community, which was provided under the Government’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).

The one-bedroom unit is outfitted with a ramp and other features to provide her with all the necessary comfort and ease of access.

Ms. Irving was one of three beneficiaries in St. James Southern who received homes on January 31.

She thanked Dr. Holness, and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (West) and Member of Parliament for the constituency, Hon. Homer Davis, for assisting her in getting her new home.

“From what I was living in to what I am now I’m going into, I can’t express how thankful I am. Thanks also to the people of Jamaica,” an emotional Ms. Irving said.

Dr. Holness, in his remarks, lauded Ms. Irving for the compassion with which she takes care of her 86-year-old father, despite her personal challenges.

“Your father told me that since his wife passed away, he wants for nothing, [because] you take care of him. Even in those conditions, the care, the love that you are able to exhibit for your family and your dependents I’m certain that, with these better [living] conditions that you will now have with this house, that you will certainly be better able to take care of others in your household. So, I know that the NSHP is improving lives,” he said.

Dr. Holness indicated that the programme has assisted several persons with disabilities across the island

“That’s a part of the programme which we haven’t emphasized a lot. But persons with disabilities have benefitted significantly from the houses that we have handed over so far,” the Prime Minister said.

For his part, Mr. Davis thanked Prime Minister Holness for his role in leading the NSHP’s execution, noting that it has “given people hope”, and showcases how much the Government cares for the people of Jamaica.

He pointed out that Ms. Irving’s new abode represents a vast improvement on her previous home.

The NSHP was developed to improve the living conditions of the country’s poor by providing quality, affordable and sustainable housing.