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VG resident Anderson Hamm gets new home for the holidays!

- Sisters hail Allington O. Creque aka Gumption an 'Angel'
Virgin Gorda resident Anderson Hamm sits on the doorstep of his new home, made possible by a community effort initiated by young entrepreneur Allington O. Creque aka ‘Gumption’. Photo: Facebook
From left: Mr Anderson Hamm, Mrs Grace Flax-Walters and Mr Allington O. Creque aka ‘Gumption’. Photo: VINO
From left: Mr Anderson Hamm, Mrs Grace Flax-Walters and Mr Allington O. Creque aka ‘Gumption’. Photo: VINO
Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) shows off his musical skills at the handing over of the keys to Mr Anderson Hamm’s home on December 24, 2019. Photo: Facebook
Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) shows off his musical skills at the handing over of the keys to Mr Anderson Hamm’s home on December 24, 2019. Photo: Facebook
NORTH SOUND, Virgin Gorda, VI- Waking up on Christmas morning, December 25, 2019, in his brand new one-bedroom home is the best gift North Sound, Virgin Gorda resident Anderson Hamm aka 'Andy' could have received after living at a shelter for an extended time following the destruction of his home by hurricane Irma of 2017.

The keys to the newly constructed home were officially handed over to Mr Hamm on December 24, 2019, by Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) in the presence of Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles; Sister Islands Coordinator, Sasha D. A. Flax and young entrepreneur, Allington O. Creque aka 'Gumption', who orchestrated the project.

The struggle

Earlier this year, Andy was looking for a gig in order to make a few dollars when he signed up to be part of a team to clean the graveyard in the community. One day, he told his story of homelessness to Creque, who quickly mobilised the community.

"There were 2 to 5 people involved now it’s over 75 people strong,” said Creque who also shared that during the construction of the house he almost gave up.

According to Creque, he suffered a melt-down as the project was taking way too long to get completed to be officially hand over to Mr Hamm. He was high in praise to Sister Islands Coordinator Sasha D. A. Flax who he said stepped in and held him through to the end.

Deep appreciation

On the other hand, two sisters of Mr Hamm—Leona Pinhiero and Gwen DeSuza-Mercer—expressed overwhelming appreciation to Creque, Hon Wheatley and two others who were the key players in the project by presenting them with plaques of gratitude.

“Thank you for taking an interest in our brother, Anderson Hamm when it seemed like the world had forgotten he existed, including his own family.”

They had special words for Mr Creque, saying: “We the sisters of Anderson Hamm would like to say a wholehearted thank you, especially to Mr Gumption for his organisation of the Go-Fund-Me venture. You had the gumption and the audacity to take on a project that would enable our brother to have a stable roof over his head and a home to call his own,” the sisters wrote in a message read by a close family friend, Grace Flax-Walters.

The message further stated, “Thank you for being our brother’s advocate in the face of his adversity. Your enthusiasm and motivation to inspire others to give to such a worthy cause have earned our gratitude and respect.”

More homes coming - Hon Wheatley 

“Please accept this letter of appreciation. You as a village have held our brother on your shoulders and given him back his dignity as a man,” the special message concluded. 

Hon Wheatley said more homes are in the pipeline for persons still homeless after the Hurricanes of 2017 as Mr Hamm, expressed gratitude for his new home.

According to Hamm, he is a happier man today having received a permanent roof over his head. He said his ultimate wish, however, was for a home built from plywood with two bedrooms, to be able to accommodate a family.

20 Responses to “VG resident Anderson Hamm gets new home for the holidays!”

  • lol (27/12/2019, 18:13) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    put me in the will
  • NezRez (27/12/2019, 18:14) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    So happy for him. Enjoy your new home.
  • Love & Harmony (27/12/2019, 18:16) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love this article! Let us continue to strive to bring back the loving culture the Virgin Islands once had! Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year when it arrives!
  • Plywood-Shmywood!! (27/12/2019, 18:43) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    That concrete house looks mighty safe and secure Mr. Hamm! May you Live in it in health and blessing!! And bless all the folks who helped make it happen!!
  • Sam (27/12/2019, 18:50) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    This a really nice little house and sich a humble man... you don't need plywood sir, you got concrete!
  • legal eye (27/12/2019, 18:51) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    the people are coming together under VIP
  • Disinterested (27/12/2019, 20:37) Like (7) Dislike (28) Reply
    It is a blessing that Anderson Hamm was in need of shelter over his head and some Good Samaritans step up to the plate to make it happen. Nonetheless, the structure looks like a rectangular shaped box. Couldn’t the architect design the structure to be more aesthetically pleasing, a little easy on the eyes. A gable roof and with a little hip and valley would have add some appeal to the building. Which architect isn’t taking credit for the design? If it is a registered architect, his registration needs reviewing.
  • Fran (27/12/2019, 22:24) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    The house is nice so he doesn't have to live in a shelter anymore. He or his family can add the side rails etc later. The important thing was to have him in his own home for the new year. I applaud everyone, especially Mr. Creque for being the driving force behind everyone. Well done....well done. Happy New Year to all.
  • musa (28/12/2019, 01:08) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great news ,god bless the team.
  • Bush Tea Sipping (28/12/2019, 05:19) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am seeing our district representative everywhere the people of the 9th district made the RIGHT CHOICE Vincent is working
    • We say (28/12/2019, 07:45) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
      Working for who he want and in every photo to look good. The territorial rep from 9th district taking credit for everything too. I surprise she aint say is she donate all the material how she dey talking how is she donate all the items for the baskets Lions Club give out for Christmas. These people. Election soon come again.
      • Not stupid in Anegada (28/12/2019, 18:58) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
        Vincent stop trying to give credit where it is not due. You like you fraid ah she. She is more about the people. And yes she did donate all the items for the basket and bags and HE Vincent want the credit. Shameful
      • VG to da bone (28/12/2019, 19:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        She donate the fridge. And you have a problem with that????
  • great (28/12/2019, 12:00) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Seems like he has a killer view too, but my question is couldn't his 2 sisters take him in?
    • VG (28/12/2019, 18:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Sisters dont live VG
    • GDM (29/12/2019, 22:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes. We offered and he refused. He did not want to come to the USA not even for a vist.
      Thank you for your generosity.
  • Cotton candy (28/12/2019, 12:38) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love it. He have a nice ocean view all he have to do is some touches outside. And mister, don’t let any woman put claims on your home or sweet talk you out of your home.
  • o (28/12/2019, 14:31) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    some santo or ilo gonna move in wid he now
    • P (28/12/2019, 23:26) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Well if you don’t want a Santo or Ilso move in with him you should go and live with him
    • Tortorlian (29/12/2019, 10:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      HE MAY LIVE LONGER, ANY WAY IM HAPPY FOR HIM.WHEN PEOPLE PUT THIER HANDS TOGETHER THINGS DO HAPPEN


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