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'Let's have a building society to help young people own homes' -Richard C. de Castro

- decries the cost of home ownership which he called prohibitive
There is dire need for the establishment of a building society to help young Virgin Islanders to secure their first home as it may be impossible for them to do so otherwise. So said social commentator and television talk show host Richard C. de Castro during his Speak Your Mind show aired on Saturday October 10, 2015 on JTV Live. Photo: VINO/File
He said if persons go directly to real estate agents they will be told that the average home today is about $500,000. Photo: www.sothebysrealty.com
He said if persons go directly to real estate agents they will be told that the average home today is about $500,000. Photo: www.sothebysrealty.com
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - There is dire need for the establishment of a building society to help young Virgin Islanders to secure their first home as it may be impossible for them to do so otherwise.

So said social commentator and television talk show host Richard C. de Castro during his Speak Your Mind show aired on Saturday October 10, 2015 on JTV Live.

"We have to look at providing affordable homes for young people in the territory and I think I have a way forward on this. It is to form a building society and use it to afford young persons access to the various things that go along with a home such as professional services, financing, advice, contractors' lists...the whole works," he said.

He said if persons go directly to real estate agents they will be told that the average home today is about $500,000.

"That is not a realistic way for our young people to look for a home at this time. Let us put our heads together ladies and gentlemen and let us give the young people some good advice and save them the hassle," said de Castro.

He suggested that people discourage the current trend which is to get a car for four years and have to pay back the bank with interest.

"Let us encourage building on a solid foundation...purchase a piece of land, get a mortgage," he said.

Noting that the economy may not be doing as well as some people might think, de Castro believes that there is need to look at enabling young people to be more prosperous.

He said some of the territory's young people are missing out on the Virgin Islands' dream of getting a good job and owning a home.

"Even though they went to university and have a four year degree and earning a [reasonable] salary they still are not being able to have that Virgin Islands' dream," said de Castro.

14 Responses to “'Let's have a building society to help young people own homes' -Richard C. de Castro ”

  • Lawd (12/10/2015, 08:40) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    he was at PWD he never advise the then government of this...more hot air
  • wize up (12/10/2015, 09:06) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    it is so amazing how some of the persons that are now on TV & Radio making a set of noise were in desigion making positions back then; in other words they had the golden opportunity to mold and shape the destiny our territory and did nothing back then but now expect everything to change in 2015: you know that you have no value when you choose to run for public office and can not get more than 10-votes on election day....
  • Yes (12/10/2015, 09:24) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    He, Edmund and others held some of the highest offices in Government for decades and what did they do with their time there? Now they have all the answers? I agree it is ridiculous to build in BVI but we also need to realize that we are to creep before we walk. A single story standard family home will not cost $500K and if we would stop investing in vehicles, boats, shoes and other stuff that brings no real value or returns, we would be closer to at least building/owning a modest, small, simple family home. There are many people who inherit family land and instead of buying a few blocks and steel every other month until they can make a start, they spend on foolishness and talk about how things hard. Welcome to the new reality!
    • Treetops (12/10/2015, 11:50) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      I agree with you LOL except your comment about a vehicle. A good reliable vehicle is a necessary asset. It gets you to work on time, it makes your life easier and less stressful. But young people should try to get one that is affordable and view it as a tool instead of a lifestyle.
      • Yes (12/10/2015, 12:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        A reliable vehicle doesn't have to cost $40K and burn $100.00 in gas per week.
        • Lily Ann (15/10/2015, 10:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          To "LOL"

          YOu aint read the part where "Treetops" said young people should find AFFORDABLE vehicle ?? I for 1 is not gonna take up with these motor dealers and fling $35k + to them for a vehicle that will drop 10k as soon as its driven off the lot !!! ... I'm here patiently gathering at least 4k... and seek one of those second hand jeeps on BVI Cars and Parts .... No long term straineous commitment for me !!!
  • PENN (12/10/2015, 09:52) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    It is obvious that the first lady don't want poor people to have houses.
  • Boo (12/10/2015, 22:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Building society, credit union, bank, it doesn't matter if the interest rates and terms continue to slaughter people
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