Beneficiaries sign their agreements to assist them repair their homes with the BVI Housing Recovery Assistance Programme Coordinator, Alisia Browne in June 2019. Photo: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone engaged a multi-stakeholder meeting to review the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme in April 2019. Photo: Adrianna Soverall/MHSD

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Qualified contractors, building materials suppliers and construction professionals are being directly engaged as the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme expands the scope of assistance offered to homeowners.

Assistant Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ms Alisia Browne stated that revisions have been made to the programme and that the Ministry of Health and Social Development will directly engage with these persons for the delivery of all new approved projects.

Beneficiaries have had to identify a contractor on their own behalf in the past, however, following a series of multi-stakeholder meetings with the Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) in April, a decision was made to engage the professionals to get as many residents in homes that are water sealed and habitable.

A total of 122 beneficiaries have been awarded under the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme. Persons who are experiencing challenges with repairing their homes and properties or are following up on already submitted applications are asked to telephone the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme at 852-7746 or 852-7782.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and quality of life in the Virgin Islands.