Prime Minister, Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell has welcomed the start of work on a low-income housing project in Beausejour, which will see the construction of more than 100 units.
Dr Mitchell who is also the Parliamentary Representative for the area, said housing is a critical need, with more and more persons seeking the security of their own home.
He said, “As people move forward economically, they want to have their own place. A lot of young persons too are seeking housing. This social need is extremely strong and when completed, this housing project will satisfy an enormous need.”
The current administration has long recognised access to housing as a basic human right and has committed to improving access to proper housing for low and middle-income families as a means of positively impacting the country’s socio-economic development.
The housing project is particularly dear to the heart of the Prime Minister because it is being constructed in the area of his birth. Recalling fond memories of his youthful days in the village, Dr Mitchell told those gathered, “I grew up right in this community in Beausejour and therefore, I am extremely happy to witness this important launch. As the Parliamentary Representative, it also brings me great joy because I understand the importance of housing in the community.”
The Prime Minister also spoke of other planned initiatives including another housing project and a vendors’ market, which would bring increased vibrancy to the area.
Speaking generally about the level of activity taking place around the country, Dr Mitchell said, “Government is working; it is understanding the needs of the people and the country. We are going to be taking steps to further develop this area and the country as a whole. We are seeing economic expansion in a general sense and the country is moving forward.”
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Government and People of China for the support provided for this and other housing projects across the country. Three low-income housing projects were completed in the first phase and 5 more, including Beausejour, are being constructed in the second phase of the project.
Other speakers at Wednesday’s sod-turning ceremony included Minister for Social Development, Housing and Community Empowerment, Honourable Delma Thomas and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada, Dr Zhao Yongchen.
Office of the Prime Minister
This is all well and good, however I would like to know what the Chinese government is getting in return for this generous offer to build these housing units across the country. It has been the experience of many Caribbean islands that the Chinese and other nationalities come into the Caribbean under the guise of wanting to help the country. Later they entrench themselves into the communities under mining and under cutting small businesses and overtaking the opportunity for locals to make a living via businesses in the community. All the while disrespecting the local population. I hope this will not be the case here. If so, I hope that Grenadians will see the signs before it’s too late and ensure that their fellow countrymen benefit instead of the outside source who happens to have more money.