Westmoreland seniors gifted life-changing homes

A mix of joy and sorrow filled the air last Friday in Bath Mountain, Westmoreland, as 78-year-old Neita Grey clutched the keys to her brand new, three-bedroom home, handed to her by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

This $11-million unit, built under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), marked a life-changing moment for Grey. Yet, the absence of her husband, Jeffrey Grey -- the man who started the process to secure the home -- cast a shadow on the celebration. Jeffrey passed away in February last year, never seeing his dream realised.

"Mr Prime Minister, I thanked God the day I heard about the [programme] from [my husband], although he is now gone. Thank God I get a little home for myself that I can live in," Grey said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Grey's daughter, Sonia Grey-Royal, echoed her sentiments, calling the house both a blessing and a reminder of her father's dedication. "My dad died before this materialised, and that really hurts. He was the one who signed off on it. It's a joyful feeling, with a bit of sorrow to it. He's the person that was supposed to receive it, but my mom is here," she shared.

The handover was more than a personal victory -- it was an intergenerational gift.

"Three generations will benefit from this house, improving the quality of life for this family but also improving housing generally in this area," Holness said.

In another heartfelt handover that same day, the prime minister presented a $5.6-million, one-bedroom home to visually impaired resident Jephtah McIntosh in Town Head, Westmoreland. The gesture marked a turning point for McIntosh, who expressed his profound gratitude for the life-changing gift.

"I'm so happy, I'm so joyful, I'm so glad. Because if it wasn't for you and your vision and the administration that you lead, this wouldn't be possible. Mr Prime Minister, God bless you, sir," McIntosh said, visibly moved.

He continued, "I never dreamt that I would be sitting beside the prime minister in my country. To know that I am a recipient of a nice, well-constructed home to call my own for the rest of my life -- it's amazing."

Both recipients were urged to cherish their homes and maintain them as symbols of hope and progress in their communities.

The New Social Housing Programme, developed to uplift Jamaica's poor and disadvantaged, continues to deliver on its promise of providing quality, affordable, and sustainable housing for those in need. With every new home, lives are changed, dreams are realised, and communities are strengthened.