Three NSHP Homes Handed Over to Beneficiaries in St. Catherine

Odenikie Smith of Spanish Town, St. Catherine, is among the latest beneficiaries of the Government’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP). 

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Thursday ( December 5), presented her with the keys to a new $10.8 million two-bedroom home that was built under the initiative in St. Jago Hills, which she will share with her spouse and two daughters. 

For more than two years, Ms. Smith, who is currently unemployed, and her family occupied a makeshift structure, which did not have piped water nor proper electrical installations. 

Her new home is one of three NSHP houses that were handed over by the Prime Minister in St. Catherine on Thursday.  

Addressing the brief presentation ceremony, Dr. Holness said the NSHP was initiated specifically for deserving citizens like Ms. Smith, who persevere, despite the difficulties experienced in pursuit of a better life for herself and her family.  

He noted that the programme acts as a catalyst for economic growth for beneficiaries and their families. 

“The Government of Jamaica is very happy to provide this because we see this, indeed, as breaking inter-generational poverty,” Dr. Holness added. 

Speaking with Ms. Smith and one of her daughters accompanying her for the presentation, Prime Minister Holness said, “You may have gone through a very hard time, but I am certain that with this, your daughter is going to make the most of it, and she will lift your household out of poor circumstances.” 

“That is the transformational effect of giving a family a house which they will make into a home. It is not just the comfort and convenience, but it is the confidence that it gives the family to seek out the economic opportunities,” he added.  

Meanwhile, Dr. Holness encouraged the beneficiaries to be ambassadors of the NSHP. 

“We ask that, having benefitted from this house, and your story justifies the benefit, your life going forward should also justify the benefit. We should be able to look and say, ‘this house has really transformed her life, she is a good ambassador’,” he stated.  

The Prime Minister commended Ms. Smith for her perseverance and positive spirit in the face of difficulty, noting that she is the embodiment of what the NSHP represents.  

“Continue to be this positive example for how you have raised your family and how you have handled adversity, and be an example to those persons who are going through those same struggles. You are going to be an ambassador for hope and good in the broader community,” he said. 

Ms. Smith expressed heartfelt gratitude for the programme, pointing out that it has enabled her to acquire her new home. 

“I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart, [and] everyone who made this happen,” she said.