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Affordable housing for VIslanders on Gov’t bucket list

Caption: Government’s manifesto vow to provide for safe, decent and affordable accommodations. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The newly elected Government, the National Democratic Party (NDP), intends to continue its affordable housing programme that was shelved after they left office in 2007, a top Government official informed Virgin Islands News Online.

“The Premier will expound on it more in his budget speech on January 17,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official further stated that the programme was the brainchild of Ronnie Skelton, Minister for Health and Social Development and during the NDP’s admnistration between 2003 and 2007, seven houses were built throughout the Virgin Islands including on Virgin Gorda (VG), Long Look, Apple Bay, Long Bush and Fort Hill.

“It’s an initiative that this Government will continue to build on,” the official added confidently.

In the party’s manifesto that was unveiled to the public on the campaign trail, there was a pledge to provide for safe, decent and affordable accommodations for Virgin Islanders.

“All individuals yearn for a place that they can call their own. The rising cost of land, as well high rents is of concern to Virgin Islanders especially those who have just begun working...ways must be found to facilitate the provisioning of suitable shelter on an on-going basis, at an affordable rate to meet the needs of both Belonger and non-Belonger, to the disadvantage of neither,” the NDP manifesto stated.

11 Responses to “Affordable housing for VIslanders on Gov’t bucket list ”

  • critic (09/01/2012, 07:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    class system in the making
  • Not2Sure (09/01/2012, 10:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Affordable housing" sounds great, but what it means is taxpayers making of the difference between what the housing should cost, and what the person is allowed to buy it for. This Government is going to have a hard enough time paying the bills as it is without adding the cost of subsidising housing for people. I worry about how reckless the NDP is being with the public's money...
    • Mmm (09/01/2012, 11:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      VIP was talking about the same or similar programme my dear, and both parties have been talking about it on their campaign trail but not getting very far with it.
      • C'mon (09/01/2012, 11:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Affordable housing has been campaigned about by both parties since 2003. Who does affordable housing appeal to? Which section of the electorate and how much of a percentage of the electorate is that section? It is a gimmick for votes from both sides since there is no real PLAN in place. Lil man offered empty promises once again!
    • Real Talk (09/01/2012, 11:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      If you do nothing, they bitch and moan, if you try something to help with the current situation, they bitch and moan even more. Nobody has an alternate suggestion regarding property/housing for locals in the BVI. Pick up the Beacon, Standpoint, Island Sun or visit the websites of our local Real Estate Companies. Tell me which local, even if they're working for good money, can afford those properties! In cases, the land alone is over $100K!!!!!! If the Government doesn't act quickly we will be a bunch of complainers and whiners sitting at the bottom of the pile in our own country. The Government hasn't laid out its plan but yet you all already killing it. I agree they should look closely at how it will affect our tax dollars. But, it's Government's responsibility to ensure their people are taken care of. In my opinion, the Government should only be involved to a limited degree. Firstly, for those with dire needs (poverty stricken) then the Social Development Dept. can deal with that. For regular folk who are seeking an 'ease' then a program can be put in place where contractors, banks etc. are brought to the table to hash it out. As far as I understand, and I could be wrong, the program is to assist us working folks to own property in the BVI. It's not a free for all where Government pays for everything. Many people can afford loan payments on a mortgage but most cannot come up with the sometimes ridiculous downpayments that banks require. I don't think people are looking for a free pass, they just need a hand up and they can take it from there! The average home is now costing upwards of $300K. With the cost of food, electricity, rent and other things, who can afford that? Something needs to be done. Let's wait and hear the plan before bashing!
      • Skeptic (09/01/2012, 13:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Well said Real talk.... Thank you!
      • C'mon (09/01/2012, 14:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Gov't should at least pass law stating that majority of land be leased and outright sales to VI Islanders & Belongers only. I bet that these real estate companies will wheel and come again and the prices come down. Yes, there is the supply and demand debate but look at Mexico with foreigners only being able to lease. They can still invest and earn profit off their investment for a finite time but the land remains in the hands of the people. Just a thought. See our next door neighbour St. John where locals cannot even afford land over there.
      • head hunter (09/01/2012, 21:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        'real talk' you and your partner stay in London and interview people for your law firm on we tax payers dime..from these comments all the damm time!
  • dog meat (09/01/2012, 10:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    just more talk and spin but when the dust settled they will do nothing but help demselves, friends and family...we know how the NDP operate yall...we aint getting fool this time!
  • NDP attack dog (10/01/2012, 06:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a great idea thank you NDP!


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