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‘Randomised selection’ for Joe’s Hill homes possible- Hon Penn

- said this may be necessary if applicants exceed available units
The Social Security Board (SSB) has embarked on a three-step Applicant Selection Process: comprised of verification, pre-approval, and final selection procedures, for units at Joe’s Hill Manor Estate. Photo: SSB
The selection process for units at Joes' Hill Manor Estate is currently at phase 2, according to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) in a statement during the Eighth Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom on November 15, 2022. Photo: Facebook/File
The selection process for units at Joes' Hill Manor Estate is currently at phase 2, according to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) in a statement during the Eighth Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom on November 15, 2022. Photo: Facebook/File
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- The Social Security Board (SSB) has embarked on a three-step Applicant Selection Process: comprised of verification, pre-approval, and final selection procedures, for units at Joe’s Hill Manor Estate.

The selection process is currently at phase 2, according to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) in a statement during the Eighth Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom on November 15, 2022.

He said persons who had responded to previous calls for applications were contacted and requested to undergo a verification process, and verified applicants were then invited to attend a Homeowners Workshop that was held on October 18, 2022, at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).

“The Homeowners Workshop was attended by 132 prospective homebuyers and featured information booths from all commercial banks in the Territory. The banks gave an indication of concessions they would be offering to qualified applicants, and prospective homeowners were encouraged to examine the various offers to determine the financing arrangements most suitable to their individual needs. That event marked the culmination of Phase 1 of the Applicant Selection Process,” Hon Penn said.

Phase 2 commences

The Minister said phase 2 of the Selection Process has now commenced and requires the verified applicants that remain interested to seek pre-qualification for financing from the bank of their choice.  Site visits to the property are also being conducted during this phase.

“Madam Speaker, the procedure to be applied in phase 3 for the allocation of homes will primarily depend on the actual number of applicants that are pre-qualified for bank financing. At the end of November 2022, if there are more pre-qualified applicants than available units in a particular category, based on the size and style of unit selected, then a randomised selection procedure may become necessary, in order to ensure transparency in the allocation of those units.

“Thereafter, each selected applicant will be allowed up to 90 days to finalize a mortgage and complete the property purchase transaction.”

The Joe’s Hill House Development Project includes twenty-five (25) buildings, comprising fifty-two (52) residential units plus a commercial rental space.

The units are a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom condos, single-family homes, and townhouses.

36 Responses to “‘Randomised selection’ for Joe’s Hill homes possible- Hon Penn”

  • Saddened (20/11/2022, 07:49) Like (48) Dislike (3) Reply
    I guess I was not selected because a teacher’s salary does not make the cut!
    • Sorryyyyyy (20/11/2022, 13:10) Like (31) Dislike (2) Reply
      @Saddened, on a regular teacher’s salary here in the BVI, no. In America, on a teachers salary you would.
  • WASTE OF TIME (20/11/2022, 07:55) Like (38) Dislike (3) Reply
    THOSE THINGS ARE TOO CLOSE #1 TOO MUCH RED TAPE #2 PRICES IS ANOTHER STORY #3 THE THOUGHT BWAS A GOOD IDEA / BUT THE FLAWS WILL REAVEAL THEMSELVES SHORTLY , BUT I AIN'T NOBODY , SO DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT , TIME WILL TELL , REMEMBER A NOBODY TOLD YOU SO FIRST ☺
    • @waste of time (20/11/2022, 21:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      You forgot to mention the number of stairs to climb, it ridiculous.
  • drake (20/11/2022, 10:50) Like (40) Dislike (4) Reply
    Pure nonsense, the kind on money they spend on these homes the government could have build 200 low income family homes, this whole debacle smell like a con, and who the hell will pay so much money for a house with so many red tape, the paint job is hideous, looks like a damn project
  • Exclusions (20/11/2022, 11:00) Like (47) Dislike (3) Reply
    This process were not the intended purpose. Those people who the project were intended to assist with home ownership "The middle and low income families" don't stand a chance,..The bank will give the can afford. Maybe when they are doing another project like this they. Should consider rent to own. After 12-15yrs of rent the renter becomes tge owner that's the only how the lower end families will own a home. Going to the bank is hopeless...Hope poor people remember these things when they go to vote...
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands. (20/11/2022, 11:13) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    I do not agree with those that have said, nor will I agree who will say that the Joe's Hill homes was a bad idea. What I do believe is that the wrong area was chosen to build them, they are to close clustered, and that low income families most likely will not be able to afford to pay the price to occupy them, especially in tough time like this.
    Another problem is that very few rich and average income persons prefers to more yard space, so that they would have been able to plant some fuiit trees or flower garden. A more flatter area, in my opinion, will have been a more better area for that project.

    I believe, that the employee, VIP administration, should have included their employers, the people, in discussion before the Administrative Cabinet began that you project.
    It's already done. The outcome will be revealed in its time.

    (Democratic principles written on paper, spoken and promised by politicians radically differs from dictatorship in practice., Facts)
  • Can afford one of the units (20/11/2022, 11:27) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    However, there is no outside space and I don’t want to be sitting on my balcony and my next door neighbor is sitting next to me on their balcony as well. That is a cul de sac on the hill with all amenities included. They will never allow anyone low income in any of those units.
  • What I have been…. (20/11/2022, 11:35) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Honestly, I have engaged in many conversations about the upscale Town Homes/Condos on the hill. They were not build for anyone low income.
  • Me (20/11/2022, 12:21) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Who wants to be paying so much money to buy a home that you can hear your next door neighbor bedroom noise? Anyway it done built and looks like a project. Hope no rich people ain't buy them then rent them out .......it should be for low income people only.
  • low income (20/11/2022, 12:22) Like (8) Dislike (16) Reply
    Nobody EVER said they were for the low income. It is also NOT a Government project. Social Security is NOT Government and do not have an obligation to house the low income. That point was made clear at the homeowner's workshop for those listening. More than one person said it. Anyways, I hope Government never ever builds low income housing units so close together. I was worried about that when I applied, but it looks like it might not be so bad in the end. That's what they do in the USA and more often than not it doesn't take long until the area turns into a ghetto. That said, Ministry of Health and Social Developmen and the Dept. of Social Development need to step up and address this issue. They are the ones responsible for addressing the housing needs of the low income. Hope they continue to do individual houses or maybe a building with 4 units tops, but never I pray, too many units clustered together in one area. Please do not let the BVI slide into that, please, please.
    • @low income (20/11/2022, 15:26) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      And you are correct, wherever they build low income housing eventually turns into a ghetto. I have a auntie that lives in those low income housing in Pearson Gardens and I hate to go in that place to visit my auntie when I go to St. Thomas. That place is straight up ghetto. I don’t feel comfortable sitting up in my auntie house hearing the gangsters that is sitting around talking about they are going to kill or shoot somebody.
    • josiah'sbay (20/11/2022, 15:32) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Contiguous house connections doesn't turn an area into a ghetto. There are plenty of middle class people that live that way. However low income mismanage properties can become a ghetto.
    • @low income. Ur wrong (20/11/2022, 16:09) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Maybe you don't lister or never heard. XFahie and VIP were preaching to us about those low and middle income families will be able to own a home when this project is done...As usual another politician deception.
      • @@ low income. Ur wrong (20/11/2022, 19:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        And you all sat there and suck it up and walk away believing the S..t right? I hate to say this and it is not coming from me and it should not be that way but no one cares about the poor, if they did, then people would not be poor right? There is more than enough pie where everyone can enjoy a slice and have seconds if they like.
  • Interesting (20/11/2022, 12:35) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    So many complaints about low income not being able to afford a home in new Joe's Hill project. However, the criteria says you have to be a first time homeowner. So if middle income ppl who could not otherwise get a home are the only ppl left at the end of the process what's the issue. Obviously, with the cost to build in the BVI being so high, even middle income are struggling with home ownership and I'm happy at least one group of BVIslanders will be assisted by the project.
  • Listen y’all (20/11/2022, 13:35) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Low income when it comes to the houses on the hill means what income bracket you are in. By the way, the units are beautiful everything on the inside is updated and modern. I CALL IT MODERN CHIC. Any and anyone is not going to be allowed to live up there. This is everywhere, you have the gated cul de sac Communities. That is indeed a cul de sac up on the hill.
  • WEW (20/11/2022, 14:31) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    Just be ready to be asked for a kickback.
  • justin (20/11/2022, 15:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Those properties already spoken for; just give it time and they will be become vacation homes for the rich and famous who shows on Tortola
  • my (20/11/2022, 15:41) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Why did they paint all of them the same color, we in the tropics, at least use some nice blended colors man, out of all the colors out there they chose a color that resembles a project, now the buyers are stuck with a paint job they can’t change
    • @my (20/11/2022, 21:38) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Haven’t you ever traveled and see that all Town Homes/Condos painted the same color? What do you want to see all kind of tropical colors? That would be tacky looking. The color is just fine.
  • VERY UNFAIR (20/11/2022, 15:46) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    IT IS VERY UNFAIR TO USE LOW INCOME FOLKS' SOCIAL SECURITY MONEY TO BUILD THESE HOMES AND NONE WILL CAN AFFORD TO PURCHASE ONE MUCHLESS LIVE UP THERE
  • FAIL (20/11/2022, 17:19) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    I personally think we have failed the people of this territory. These houses was built for low income people how did the prices get way up there. A list of names of all applicants must be posted. A list of all those who have been shortlisted must be posted along with prices. No one wants to come up short but you used our money to build them now you want the money back in a short space of time. You should be the lenders not the banks. Ease the people on these high interest rates and do proper documentation if people are in default for over a two or three months period the building can be taken back. Let them sign with understanding clearly stated on the term agreement but no you don't want to help them you prefer the bank to deal with it. Rubbish you all can do better we need a coi into this matter you used the people money now you are making it so hard for the poor. Be very careful how you disenfranchise the poor for you would not like the end results.im talking to all you rich people who can sit and rest in your nice houses and the poor are struggling for survival emotionally, mentally, financially and all the rest.
  • Now listen carefully (20/11/2022, 17:44) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    There are low income people that is living as law abiding citizens that will appreciate and take care of where they live. On the other hand, there are low income people that will destroy those houses on the hill in 6 months time destroying the units, keeping around the property dirty and allowing their kids to destroy where they live. Before you know it, it will be a ghetto on the hill. I personally love the houses. And yes, they are ultra modern and very nice on the inside and a good investment if you have the money. You can’t get up in there on a $6.00 per hour salary.
  • plain and simple (20/11/2022, 17:52) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    If you can afford one of the units and your credit is good, they you have no problem. I don’t think the prices is that steep.
  • facts (20/11/2022, 18:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Social security don't intend to loose their money put into the project and the banks will become richer ! In my opinion, I deeply feel the contractor rich enough to buy the whole project and own the largest complex to rent to the middle class and up and make a killing for his/her younger generation to profit! We will see!
  • old (20/11/2022, 18:29) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Our money builds these homes.All of us will dead before we pay for these homes. Shame on the bvi Government.
  • Single Family - on what income? (20/11/2022, 19:58) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need a community. We have not built new communities here in the BVI.
    When local people stop building houses for themselves there is a problem. Look around! How many NEW single family homes are locals building? Not many that I see.
    A man gets money here he builds an apartment building. Who lives in these places? Not locals. Low income workers mainly. The local man is chasing this money. MONEY MONEY MONEY. That's seems to be all that the BVI thinks about.
    We need to give these young people a home. Figure a way to get them land and afford to build a Single Family Home. Yes - single family. A bunch of those and you have a community. If you have a community people don't leave.
    All these government land giveaways end up with apartment buildings and no local family homes. I don't see this in other Caribbean islands on the scale I do in the BVI. We are leading a poor example for our youth, that's why they are leaving. You teach youth to just care about money, and wonder why he leaving?
    Pass some laws. Make banks loan money to locals wanting to build Single Family Homes. We will have a community again!
  • Joes Hill Homes (20/11/2022, 21:15) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The homes were built as First- time home ownership not Low- income homes. The previous Administration stated they were First Time Home Ownership that years ago. The new administration changed the narrative and called them Low Income. INCORRECT STATEMENT! Thats where the mix up happened! If the homes are not for you, move on!
  • Just saying (20/11/2022, 21:20) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    They are not low-income housing, and they are certainly not affordable housing, so what was the purpose of building these houses? Who are the people they had in mind when building them?
  • Eh hm (20/11/2022, 21:30) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Boy random, they mean the selective friends
  • musa (20/11/2022, 21:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    our people not that stupid we better off build our own
  • The TRUTH (21/11/2022, 00:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Those houses were not built for low income persons. it isn't the projects. $300-400K for a home is pretty darn good.
  • What if there is a Foreclosure? (21/11/2022, 07:23) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    SO...56 mortgages. 56 low income people with these mortgages. What could go wrong!?
    Who picks up this mess when there is a economic downturn. Or another pandemic. Or a resort goes out of business and lays off 10 of these 56 people?
    This is a train wreck. The government should not be in this business.
    Attention Government - stick to building roads. Build us a hospital somewhere else than Tortola. Build more schools.
  • Sam. (21/11/2022, 16:04) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Social security you all need to take all them mad people off the streets. And put them up joe s hill home to live we the people deserve better than this . Very wicked to bvi Islander you all not helping the people s


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