Housing, PAP, MEND, PEACE, STEP and People Empowerment
Every citizen deserves a safe and stable home. We are addressing housing affordability, expanding social safety nets, and empowering citizens through programs that foster financial stability and self-sufficiency. Our initiatives, including LIFT and the Smart Housing Programme, are designed to create a foundation of support for individuals and families across the Federation.
Achievements up to July 2024
- Housing Arrears Reset – Elimination of penalties on arrears from the National Housing Corporation (NHC).
- 8% salary increase for civil servants.
- 10% salary increase for staff at National Housing Cooperation (NHC).
- Christmas bonus in month’s salary to all civil servants, GAEs, Pensioners, and STEP workers (2023).
- Transformation of Poverty Alleviation Program (PAP) to Livelihood Improvement for Family Transformation (LIFT).
- Launch of the Smart Housing Programme
- Reformation of the PEACE Programme
- Establishment of the Alternative Pathways Lifestyle Program (APLP) to replace the PEACE Programme.
- Independence RESET Initiatives (including various economic stimulus measures).
- One-time payment of EC$1000 to contributors to the Social Security Fund.
- Electricity Arrears Reset – Immediate reconnection for all residential SKELEC customers.
- Water Services Reset – Immediate reconnection for residential Water Services Department customers.
- Housing Arrears Reset – Elimination of penalties on arrears from the National Housing Corporation (NHC).
- L.A.N.D Reset – Reduction of interest rates on residential lands, interest waivers, and grace periods for outstanding balances.
- Building Materials Reset (Build and Thrive Incentive) – No import duty, no Customs service charge, and reduced VAT for first-time homeowners and home renovations.
- Duty free concession building materials for renovation from January – December 2024
- The completion and distribution of two (2) model Climate Smart homes constructed East Coast Housing Development Ltd, in partnership with the National Housing Corporation (NHC).