ADDRESS BY HON. YOLANDE BAIN JOSEPH
MINISTER FOR SOCIJAL DEVELOPMENT
November 9, 2004

Citizens of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, we recognize that this is a very difficult and traumatic time for all of us since the passage of Hurricane Ivan.

I want to share with you the mechanisms that are now in place to address the housing needs of our citizens.

  • An Emergency Housing Committee (EHC) was established on 6th October 2004 comprising representatives from the Ministry of Social Development, Housing Authority of Grenada, Ministry of Finance, Physical Planning, Lands and Surveys, Ministry of Works, NERO, the Grenada Institute of Professional Engineers and the Insurance Companies.

  • The ECH is charged with the responsibilities of reviewing all housing proposals and pledges received by the Government of Grenada, reviewing and agreeing on suitable housing designs for the construction of low-income housing and the development and implementation of Emergency Housing Policy for Grenada.

    The draft housing policy is being reviewed.

  • The EHC is also responsible for ensuring that all home construction meet the hurricane resistant and other principles of the Grenada Building Code and Caribbean Standards.

  • Priority and subsidy would be given to vulnerable group such as the poor, elderly, single heads of households, families with underweight children, persons living with HIV/AIDS, persons who have suffered job loss from the service industries, farmers and agricultural workers who have become homeless due to the passage of Hurricane Ivan.
Vulnerable groups are being identified, profiled and assisted by a team of Social Development personnel in each Parish:
  • Assessment forms are being completed analysed and categorized.
  • Work in all parishes will be completed by week ending 12th November 2004.
  • A line of credit is being established with local business firms so that building materials would be procured and distributed to the vulnerable groups who have suffered complete or partial loss of their homes.
  • A team of technical personnel from Housing Authority of Grenada will supervise and approve all home construction of roofs.
  • Home recipients and owners will be required to be actively involved in the labour component of construction. This principle is a means of reviving the MAROON aspect of our culture. Skilled persons within various communities are asked to come out and contribute towards home construction for vulnerable groups.
The needs of persons living in high risk areas and/or squatting have to be addressed:
  • Crown lands have been identified for the relocation of persons living in high risk areas for example Marquis, Soubise, etc. Discussions and ongoing dialogue will be held with affected persons to ensure final agreements.
  • Because St. David’s has been one of the main areas most affected by the hurricane a number of temporary homes have been assembled to alleviate the post trauma stress of the vulnerable:
    • Over forty (40) temporary homes, mainly in St. David’s, have been constructed by Samaritan Purse.
    • Material has been given to a number of families to effect temporary roof construction.
A special committee has been established in the constituency of South St. George to address the issue of home reconstruction, in light of existing squatting problems and the need for a more holistic approach to the re-development of the area.

Financial schemes will be implemented for very low, low and middle income potential home owners:

  • A revolving fund to effect soft loans for very low and low income owners, together with self-help labour inputs will be operation zed.

  • Financial systems for home owners would be put in place to ensure manageable payment terms for individuals who have secured loans to repair or rebuild their homes.

  • The Ministry of Financial issues with the UN Flash Appeal and the upcoming Donors meeting to be held in Grenada on 19th November, 2004.

  • 10, 000 new homes will be constructed during the next five years. The numerous proposals received to date include, both humanitarian and business proposals.
For example:
    Construction of 130 homes in Lacalome, St. David’s by the Government of Venezuela-construction to start within one month

  • UN Habitat proposal for the construction of 2,000 homes based on Habitat principles. Project being developed by UNDP and will commence within six months.
  • GR 3- Grenada based organization, propose to construct 2, 000 homes and have now formally linked with Habitat for Humanity International. Construction of model home to start within one month.
  • Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh Day Adventist - Nehemiah Skilled Volunteers, proposal includes the construction of five hundred (500) homes and repair of five hundred (500) roofs. Construction has commenced.
  • Baptist Ministries, USA, propose to construct twenty-five (25) homes.

  • Model houses, for various income earners, will be constructed in a demonstration village and other model low income homes in selected parishes, to enable in depth investigation, assessment, and public acceptance prior to finalization of plans.

  • Another priority area for Government would be the construction and/or repair of Children’s Homes and the Homes for the Elderly and Day Care Centres, which have all suffered extensive damage.
My fellow Grenadians, our Country has just gone through what can be described as the most devastating event in its recorded history. We have seen the devastation of every sector of our country’s infrastructure and economy. And without a doubt, there will serious social repercussions.

I am therefore asking you, the citizens of this great nation, to come together and support the initiatives which I have just outlined.

I understand the difficulties which you are enduring at this time but let me assure you that the Government and in particular the Ministry of Social Development is seeking every possible avenue to ensure that the distress is held to an absolute minimum.

In closing I beg of you to exercise tolerance and patience during this difficult time. Open your hearts to your families’ friends and neighbours: show love and lend a helping hand wherever and whenever needed.

I, as the Ministry of Social Development and on behalf of the entire Cabinet of the Government of Grenada, wish to also extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the service organizations, agencies, the business community, religious bodies, and individuals both regionally internationally and especially our people at home, who have come to our aid during this difficult time.

My fellow citizens we have an arduous task ahead of us, but I am confident that together we can build back our beautiful Grenada. May God continue to bless us all in a special way.