Cynthia Brereton gets her prayers answered

When SEARCHLIGHT visited Cynthia Brereton at her new home in Clare Valley, she was comfortably enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasted.{{more}}

She was expecting and looking forward to her serene environment changing as soon as other residents started moving into the area and as the project develops.

One of the 17 residents of Government’s latest low income housing project, Brereton, affectionately known as Doreen, was the first to move in, having done so on Friday, February 20th, three days before the keys were officially handed over to the other homeowners.

Doreen shares her two-bedroom house with her helper Thelma Henry, who has been with her for the past nine years.

She says that she was very grateful to be one of the lucky persons to receive one of the homes in the first stage.

“I could not wait to move in, but I took my time, and with the help of some friends I moved in last week.”

Born in Layou in 1926, Doreen has lived in various parts of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and spent some time in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, but she says she looks forward to spending her final days in her new home.

“I plan to stay here until the good Lord is ready for me. I like here; this is my home,” the jovial lady indicated.

The low income home can be considered an early birthday gift for the retired library assistant, who celebrates her 83rd birthday tomorrow (Saturday).

She credits her long life to healthy living and no booze.

“I like a drink of wine before meals now and again, but that’s it.”

She indicated that she also has three sisters who are in their early 80’s, while her three brothers are deceased.

Doreen never married or had children, and said that she looked forward to spending the rest of her life with friends and family in her new home, in her new neighborhood. (JJ)