Titles Handed Over for Housing Projects in Kingston

Sixteen of 83 persons, who have completed payments under phase one of the Seaview Gardens, Duhaney Park and Cooreville Gardens housing development projects in Kingston, were today (July 11) presented with their titles by the Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Robert Pickersgill.
In his remarks at the handing over ceremony held at the Seaview Gardens Primary School, Mr. Pickersgill commended the residents for honouring their debts and investing in their homes. “Today, you should feel proud; you opted to stay the course and make your mortgage payments in anticipation of a day like today.”
He singled out the Duhaney Park homeowners for the “integrity displayed in honouring these debts” and earning titles for their homes. He said that of 459 accounts, “only 90 are yet to be closed,” and urged delinquent residents to join the ranks of title holders soon. Forty-eight persons received titles from that community.
Highlighting the benefits of having a title, Mr. Pickersgill noted that it provides equity, which can make loans more accessible. “You have the base to create even greater wealth for yourself and your family. You can use the title to borrow for business purposes. It can also aid you in supporting the education of your children. You will always be able to upgrade, because you can use the equity you have built in your house to get additional home improvement loans,” he pointed out.
Explaining the delay in handing over titles for phase 2 units, Mr. Pickersgill said there were “some challenges” in obtaining titles for these purchasers. “However, we are now hopeful that the problem will be solved shortly as survey plans have been pre-checked and lodged at the Office of the Registrar of Titles,” he informed.
Talking to JIS News after the event, Duhaney Park resident, Lorna Clarke said she was happy to have received the title. “It’s a very good feeling to receive the title after about 20 years. It’s better to be late than never, so I am feeling proud,” she enthused.
Alicia Stephens, another beneficiary said, “I am so happy. I am glad that I own the house now. I didn’t know I would really own a house for myself, and after .about 22 years, I can truly say it is very good, and I thank the Minister and all those who help to make up this a reality.”
Cooreville Gardens, a cooperative housing scheme, was constructed in the mid-70s. It had several phases with the final one completed in the early 1980s. Duhaney Park, a condominium housing scheme, was built in 1975, while Seaview Gardens, also built in the 1970s, was made available to buyers as self-help and starter units.