Simone Reid Gets New Home for Christmas Through NSHP

A radiant smile lingered on the face of Simone Reid as she received the keys to her new home from Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in John Reid, St. Ann, on Thursday (December 12).

She was one of three proud beneficiaries of the government’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), who received houses in the parish, just in time for the festive season.

Miss Reid’s moment represented the end of a challenging chapter of living in unsuitable conditions to the comfort of a beautiful three-bedroom unit, which was constructed at a cost of $6.4 million.

In an interview with JIS News, Miss Reid said that her living conditions prior to receiving her new home left much to be desired.

“I feel so good getting this house, because the condition of the old house was very bad. [The roof] was leaking, [and] the walls were literally tearing down, even when you were not pushing them. I feel 100 per cent better. Words can’t even explain [how I feel],” Ms. Reid added.

During the handover ceremony, Miss Reid thanked Dr. Holness and Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, Hon. Zavia Mayne, who also serves as Member of Parliament for St. Ann South West, for their part in helping her to get a new home.

“I am just feeling so good about what my Prime Minister has done for me. I am thankful to God, and I am thankful for him and all who made it possible that I could live in this house, thank you,” a beaming Miss Reid said.

She will be sharing her home with four of her children.

For his part, the Prime Minister encouraged Miss Reid to contact the NSHP should she want to add a section to the house, to ensure that additions are done safely.

“We want you to improve yourself. The only thing that we say is that the house is designed in a particular way. We had engineers look at the soil and the land and water flow issues and so the foundation of the building is done to accommodate a certain structure,” he said.

“So, if you’re going to expand the building, you should contact the NSHP and your local authority and get the consent of the Ministry of Housing before you make any amendments or changes or expansion to the house,” Dr. Holness urged.

He also encouraged her to continue being a positive force in her community, to take care of the unit and ensure that she does not rent or use the home for any commercial purposes.

“When I pass back here and I knock on the door and I say, ‘where is Simone?’ I don’t want to hear, no, she’s not here anymore and she rented me the place’. No, this house is built for your residence and that of the members of your household. So you can’t rent out the place or use it for any commercial activities. So, I don’t expect to see ‘Simone’s Nail Shop’ or ‘Simone Bar’. This is your house, your residence,” the Prime Minister said.

In his remarks, Mr. Mayne said that the programme is commendable, and it continues to transform lives.

“This is one more opportunity for us to change and transform the life of another Jamaican. So, I really want to say thanks, Prime Minister, for spearheading this programme. We know it means a lot to you, because you have taken time out of your busy schedule, and every beneficiary who is to get a benefit under this programme, you have made yourself available to deliver to them personally the keys to their homes,” Mr. Mayne said.