NSHP Helps Kingston Woman Realise Lifelong Dream of Homeownership

Kingston resident, Andrea Burke, has fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a homeowner this year.

The dream was realised through the Government’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), which provided Ms. Burke and her family with a new home at Rosemary Lane in Kingston Central.

For the 58-year-old beneficiary, receiving the keys to her brand-new three-bedroom home from Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on August 4, just 48 hours before Jamaica’s 64th Independence anniversary, in a ceremony witnessed by scores of jubilant community members, represented more than a milestone.

Ms. Burke told JIS News that she had always hoped to become a homeowner before turning 60, a goal she is now proud to have achieved.

“This was made possible with the help of the Prime Minister and the [Member of Parliament for Kingston Central and State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon.] Donovan Williams,” she said.

Ms. Burke described her previous living conditions as poor, explaining that the structure had been deteriorating over time.

She said she had to contend with a leaking roof whenever it rained, while sections of the ceiling posed a constant risk of collapse.

The mother of four and grandmother pointed out that, as a result, “I am truly grateful for this opportunity [to acquire an improved dwelling, which I can now call my own].”

Addressing the handover ceremony, Dr. Holness reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of Jamaicans, noting that with the delivery of the housing unit to Ms. Burke, one less family would be living in indignity.

“We are all better off because there is one less person living in poor housing conditions. But we also want you to be an example to the rest of the community… [and say to yourself] that ‘if I receive a benefit from the society… I am going to take that benefit and be an example of good… an ambassador for positive living’,” he said.

Dr. Holness urged Ms. Burke to properly maintain the property and not rent it out. He also advised that, should any modifications be required, she should first consult the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development.

“The house is built to carry a certain weight, and if you put more weight on it than it is built [to support], it might collapse. So, we want to know what you plan to do before you do it, so that we can advise you properly how to do it… how to reinforce [the unit],” he emphasised.

Prime Minister Holness further reminded the NSHP beneficiary that the house should not be used for any illegal activity, underscoring that the unit was provided through the generosity and contributions of the Jamaican people.

“It is not given in private. It is not given because of political affiliation. It is given because we conducted an assessment of your situation and recognised that you are in need, like thousands of other Jamaicans who are equally in need. Therefore, as we present the house to you, I don’t see one person who is objecting to you getting the house because your need is visible,” he said.

In explaining aspects of the selection process, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Arlene Williams, said there was no dissenting voice regarding the view that Ms. Burke was worthy of receiving the house.

“We are looking out for the most vulnerable in society under the [New] Social Housing Programme. Ms. Burke is a single mother and we would have known of her struggles. The Member of Parliament reached out to the Ministry and the application was made. The team in the Ministry came and they did their investigation. We have a Project Oversight Committee to which the recommendation was submitted for approval,” she outlined.

Meanwhile, Mr. Williams described the NSHP as a blessing, noting that the programme has been transforming lives in Kingston Central.

The New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) was developed to improve the housing conditions of the country’s poor and disadvantaged populations by providing quality, affordable and sustainable housing.

To date, 349 houses have been built under the NSHP, with 65 currently under construction at various stages of completion.