The long-awaited housing revolution, promised by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, has officially commenced following a momentous groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, September 18, 2023. The event marked the start of construction for model homes to be built by East Coast Housing Development Ltd. The symbolic turning of the sod took place at Taylor’s East Housing Development, where the first model home will be constructed. Esteemed attendees included Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, members of the Federal Cabinet, officials from the National Housing Corporation (NHC), and enthusiastic community members.
Brian Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of East Coast Housing Development Ltd, highlighted the significance of the ceremony occurring on the eve of the Federation’s 40th Anniversary of Independence as a testament to the government’s vision. Singh praised Prime Minister Dr. Drew as one of the finest leaders in the region and expressed his company’s inspiration to fulfill its mission of providing quality homes due to Dr. Drew’s unwavering commitment to empowering the people. He emphasized that they are not merely constructing houses, but creating enduring homes for the people of the Federation, designed to withstand the test of time. Singh stated his dedication to St. Kitts and Nevis, considering himself a proud Kittitian, with a strong bond formed with the people.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to construct a total of 2,400 climate-smart homes over the next four years, equating to 600 homes annually. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Human Settlement, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, declared that the government’s housing revolution had commenced within a year of assuming office. Dr. Hanley reaffirmed their commitment to fulfill the promises made to the ordinary citizens, expressing satisfaction that extensive due diligence had been conducted. He attributed the successful realization of this housing revolution to divine intervention on September 18, celebrating the commitment of Prime Minister Dr. Drew and expressing gratitude towards Attorney General, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, for supporting the project.
In addition to the model home at Taylor’s East Housing Development, plans are underway to construct a second model home in Conaree, adjacent to the children’s play area. The construction of these model homes is scheduled for completion in November 2023, enabling the public to explore fully furnished three-bedroom homes that offer a glimpse into the future of housing in St. Kitts and Nevis.