Be reasonable with your demands, says PM Gonsalves

Just over a year after persistent rains caused millions of dollars in damage, some residents of Basin Hole, Georgetown are now recipients of new and refurbished homes.{{more}}

On Wednesday, at a handing over ceremony in the area, two families accepted the keys to their brand new homes, joining other persons, who had already been relocated in the area, or had their homes refurbished.

Some individuals and families have been living in shelters or with relatives and friends, since rivers in the area overflowed their banks, displacing homes, agriculture, livestock and infrastructure, and sweeping them into the sea.

Receiving their keys at the ceremony was mother of three, Ruth Lewis, and calypsonian Godwin Augustus Oliver, also known as GAO.

Lewis expressed gratitude to those directly and indirectly responsible for her being able to set foot into her own home once again, as well as those who offered support to her and her family during the trying times.

Oliver, the current Carnival Road March Monarch, also thanked those responsible for his new home, and further expressed his appreciation by performing a number of his songs.

Moments before the handover, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said that the provision of housing and other services nationwide was in keeping with the policy of his government to help the poor.

“When we do all of these things, it shows one consistent pattern; this is not a wealthy country, but we’re doing plenty with little…. That is how we set about our business; that is why we are here today.”

The Prime Minister used the opportunity to plead with Vincentians to be reasonable with their requests of the government, bearing in mind that there are still persons who are in need of hurricane and flood assistance.

“And please, don’t be greedy; we have to live and let live, because the book of Proverbs tells us that the greedy man brings trouble to his family.

“Don’t take advantage of the Comrade because he got a good heart. You have to also try to help yourself…. Don’t say I will make that demand because I know that the Comrade will go out of his way to help. When you make that demand, ask yourself is that demand reasonable to make.”

Also speaking at the handover was Leslie Jack, General Manager of telecommunications company LIME, which contributed $500,000 of the estimated $750,000 that was required for the project.

Jack indicated that the least his company could have done in the circumstances, was to play its part by coming to the assistance of the stricken families, who most likely had contributed to the company over the years.

“It is only fitting that when disaster strikes our families, we must extend a hand of kindness and compassion. It is significant to know that it is only through your continued support and commitment that we can make contributions of this kind, so while we might be big enough to serve you, we are indeed small enough to need you.”

Also addressing the ceremony were area representative and Minister of Housing Montgomery Daniel, General Manager of the Housing and Land Development Company Morris Slater, and National Emergency Management Office Director Howie Prince.

Oliver was the recipient of a one bedroom home, while Lewis received a three bedroom abode.

Other houses were constructed or rebuilt in locations not too far from where the ceremony took place.