Joint effort results in new homes for St. George South residents

St. George’s, February 20, 2011 – New homes have been built for two residents of St. George South in a private-sector supported effort that involved dozens of volunteers, including government ministers.

Raymond Stroude, a 50-year-old diver has been living in a tiny box-like structure of plywood and with a galvanized roof held down by stones, since his house was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. He is one of the two recipients of the houses that were built last Saturday at Café Beau Hill, Grand Anse.

“I feel happy about it,’’ Stroude said in reference to his new home in the community in which he has lived for about 20 years.

The second housing recipient, who is epileptic, has been homeless, said MP for St. George South Glynis Roberts, who spearheaded Saturday’s projects.

“It’s an effort to bring people’s lives to a certain standard. So we’re happy to be of assistance,’’ said Hon. Roberts, who is also Minister of Labour, Social Security and Ecclesiastical Affairs.

She thanked the volunteers, corporate sector and her government and National Democratic Congress party colleagues.

“It’s contributions of material and food from the business community and individuals that made this all possible,’’ Mrs. Roberts said. “I want to thank them immensely. I also want to say thank you to the people from the other constituencies who are here today.’’

MP Roberts said an attempt will be made to solicit furniture for the two new homeowners. She and other NDC officials also promised that the party will be leading ongoing community projects throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Many Café Beau Hill residents appealed for the paving of the community’s road. Works Minister and MP for St. Patrick West, Joseph Gilbert, assured them that his ministry will endeavour to meet their request and pave the road.

Apart from Mr. Gilbert and Mrs. Roberts, other Cabinet officials involved in Saturday’s housing projects were Tourism Minister and NDC General Secretary, Peter David; St. George South East MP and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Environment, Karl Hood; and Minister of State for Information, Culture and Information and Communication Technology, Sen. Arley Gill.

Photos: MPs Peter David, Glynis Roberts and Karl Hood with Raymond Stroude

Raymond Stroude’s former dwelling 

Volunteer worker