Pay your mortgage – Hon Skelton to future SSB home owners
This was said by Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Joe’s Hill Manor, at Joe’s Hill, Tortola, on April 20, 2017. “You must pay your mortgage. I’m sure there will be some opportunities where you can renegotiate, but at the end of the day you must pay your mortgage,” said Hon Skelton.
It was also announced at the ground-breaking ceremony that while the first phase of the programme will see the complete construction of some 25 buildings to accommodate 53 homes by December 2019, the contractors are working to have the first six buildings completed by December 2017.
The contract was awarded to JL Construction, a company that was formed specifically for this venture. It’s the merging of James Todman Construction and Larry Adams Construction, a move which shows that contractors coming together can position themselves for big local contracts.
It was music to the ears of those present, especially Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith OBE, and several of his legislators, that the contractors have every intention to go strictly local for all its resources for the entire project, which include man power, equipment and materials.
$14M project
The estimated cost to build the Manor has moved from an initial $11M to $14M as the quantity upped. Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr James Todman told those present, “We will have four homes fully ready for December 2017… We going to work tirelessly to get two more buildings in. So we looking at having at least six buildings for 2017 in December.”
Joe’s Hill Manor, a gated community, will have one bedroom and two bedroom condos, two bedrooms and three bedroom townhouses, and two and three bedroom homes.
Chairman of the Social Security Board Ian Smith, who is credited for bringing forward the First-Time Home Owner programme to the SSB, said the ultimate goal of this initiative is to afford VIslanders the opportunity to own their own homes. He said it would lead to the encouragement towards saving; creation of wealth, future generation of home owners and independent citizens; and contribute to the solidification of the foundation of our growing economy.
But it was made pellucidly clear that not only VIslanders are eligible to apply but also belongers and persons resident in the territory for 20 years or more.
“After completion of the development, 52 families will own their first home and employment opportunities will be available for the operation, maintenance, and upkeep of this community,” added the Social Security Board Chairman.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
24 Responses to “Pay your mortgage – Hon Skelton to future SSB home owners”
long live the National Democratic Party(now the p*$s talk will begin!!!!)
Virgin Islanders are known to hold on to their properties. I think the homes should be for Virgin Islanders only, story done.
let's think positive.