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[screaming] All these gifts we do extol health feel so like [screaming] fountain [crying] giving chair that warms the soul. >> [screaming] [applause] >> Thank you, Mrs. Deja. Let's invite Mr. Thomas to lead us in prayer as we remain standing. Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us all together today. We ask for your wisdom, guidance, and blessing. As we begin, help us to listen with open hearts, speak with kindness, and work together in harmony. Lord, your word tells us that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Today we see the tangible proof of your faithfulness, provision, and guidance as we stand before the completion of these housing projects. Father, as we gather in your name, we invite your divine presence to take charge of this gathering. May your spirit guide our thoughts, words, and actions, leading us to the path of righteousness and unity. We ask all of this through Christ our Lord. Amen. >> Thank you. Please be seated. [clears throat] Honorable Roland Roy, acting prime minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Honorable Melisa Poon Scarret, Minister for Housing and Urban Development. Honorable Fidel Grant, parliamentary representative of the Wesley constituency. Other honorable members of cabinet, his excellencies, the members of the diplomatic and consular corps, Mr. KL Miad, project manager of Montreal Management Consultant Establishment Limited, Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Bittany Alexander, beneficiaries, members of the public, people of the village community of Woodford Hill, family and friends, members of staff of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, all invited guests, members of the media, general public, everybody listening here physically and via whatever medium that you are listening to us this Afternoon. Good afternoon. Government housing programs are based on fair, non-discriminatory, and socially responsible principles. These principles require government to have and act in a spirit of empathy, generosity, and compassion for the most vulnerable among us. Such responsibility forms part of the mission of the ministry of housing and urban development premised on the book of Deuteronomy chapter 15 11 which commands generosity towards the poor. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded towards your fellow men who are poor and needy. The poverty that drives government response today is often politicized by those who are least likely to be open-handed. They criticize these welcome home events and accuse government of abuse or lack of transparency in the selection process. But this is not new. Mary had taken a jar of very expensive perfume and anointed the feet of Jesus in the book of Matthew chapter 26:1 and they criticized him. But he said the poor will always have with you. For us in the ministry of housing, we have a duty of care to the marginalized, the poor, and the vulnerable. There's no season for this. It is an ongoing responsibility, one that requires consistent continuous awareness of the conditions of those in our care. And in balancing national priorities to ensure that the practical acts of charity, we provide adequate sustainable social protection as housing as part of government's overall policy. So we have a selection criteria. We do as a ministry based our our assessments and we have here the team of individuals called the resettlement unit who goes out every day and assess people's condition of living to determine who and why we are giving them the housing. So please be aware of this as we celebrate this welcome home ceremony this afternoon in Woodford Hill. It is important for us to lay context as to why we are here, why we are being criticized for the individuals that we have selected as beneficiaries for these housing programs. And as we celebrate this afternoon, I like in a very special way to welcome the honor of a par parliamentary representative of our constituency to give us a welcome remark. Thank you. [applause] Good afternoon everyone. Let me recognize the presence of the acting prime minister of the commonwealth of Dominica, honorable Roland Rou, the honorable me, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, other honorable members of cabinet, your excellencies, members of the diplomatic and consular corpse, PS regional sever min PS in the ministry of housing and urban development, other permanent secretaries who are present here this afternoon, Mr. KL Murad, project manager of MMCE, Mr. Matthew who prayed for us, Mrs. Deja who led us in the national anthem. Let me recognize the presence of the village council chairperson, Miss Lyanna Daniel, Ambassador Nanton, former housing minister, Senior Regginal Austri, beneficiaries, distinguished guests, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon. This afternoon, I would like to welcome each of you to one of the most scenic sites and villages in the northeast. Welcome to Woodford Hill, or as many people say, Wooty. We are here in Small Farm today. Small Farm is home to the cultural icon John Coffee, also known as Darurel. Woodford Hill is also home to the drumming legends Tiboa who have over 30 years culture experience led by Paul W. >> While you may not be prepared to take a swim today, I urge you at some point to visit the Woodford Hill Beach, which is a 10-minute walk from here, an easy drive off the main road. A beautiful white sand beach, always clean, perfect for family picnics. Today is not just another ceremony. It's not about a house. It is not about a key. Today we are transforming the lives of 16 families. We are creating 16 safe homes for the children of Woodford Hill. Thereby [applause] thereby strengthening our community for decades to come. A safe home gives our children the opportunity to eat, sleep, study, and of course play roadblocks like many children across the country. One mother of seven who had to be placed her young children at different homes will find shelter here today. She now has a place to call home and the 14year-old who has been on the streets can return home to a comfortable shelter. [applause] The mother of nine and other mother of five young children each now have a safe place to call home. This housing development provides a home for over 50 students under the age of 18. [applause] On average you will have four students per household. This Labor Party government has provided home repair, support, and build homes that no other government in the region can boast of. We are committed to reaching those who have not been touched as yet. As for me, your parliamentary representative, I hold each of you dear to my heart. I am determined to do what it takes to make your life better here in Woodford Hill and Wesley. >> [applause] >> I have advised and supported several young individuals over the past seven years in choosing career paths. Which is why within this constituency over the last seven years, we have seen an increase in the number of police officers, nurses, fire officers and other teacher and teachers sorry within this constituency. Both of the principles at our primary schools are from the constituency. Within the f within the past 5 years, several teachers have been appointed. Ladies and gentlemen, the NEP program continues to be an essential part of our society. We have two young ladies who have graduated from the NEP and are now plan quarantine officers here in the community of Woodford Hill. >> [applause] >> To my constituents, do you know how many young persons are now employed at Douglas Charles? I challenge you to take some time and ask around. You will be pleasantly amazed as to the number of young people who have secured good paying jobs at the airport. And let's not forget the International Airport Project has created employment for several young men and women within this constituency. [applause] >> We cannot overlook the national employment program and yes we care program which continues to provide financial independence to several single mothers. Each month, our community receives over $130,000 paid in salaries to our interns. We must take time to appreciate the economic impact and the benefit of this program to communities like Woodford Hill. Each of us in this in this constituency can attest that petty crime, domestic violence, and others has reduced significantly in the past years. [applause] This is because more people are empowered and more people are gainfully employed and my work continues. In this year's budget, $19 million was allocated for small businesses at an interest rate of 3.5%. I would like to urge our young people who are in business or thinking of starting a business to take advantage of this facility. There is a growing demand within the constituency for guest houses, car rentals, laundry services, restaurants, catering, and the list goes on. I urge you to start now. One of the greatest hindrances to development of this community of Woodford Hill is the lack of land ownership. Land ownership will not only unlock the community's true potential, but that of its people. I believe strongly that the formalization of land ownership will not only create wealth but increase significantly the standard of our people's living. Therefore, I have been working with several families connecting them to lawyers and surveyors who are assisting them in regularizing family ownership with respect to housing lots. Lands from the government will be made available within the short within a short period of time to persons who are interested in purchasing land. I am pleased to announce that we have identified the area and actively pursuing this project. Very soon we will have lots available for the young people of Woodford Hill who are interested in owning their own lot. [applause] I am pleased to announce that we are finalizing the stage. We are in the final stage of our chaos for our beach project. We have already secured beach launches, umbrellas, towels and other amenities. All will be provided for our residents and visitors on our Woodford Hill Beach. As I close, I want to commend our contractors here from Woodford Hill who did their part in the construction of these homes. To the recipients, I want to remind you that this home is not a gift. It is a blessing. Take care of your home, pay attention to your children, and please look out for your neighbors. To the entire NEP beautifification team and Mrs. Deja, thank you for your efforts over the last couple months, days, and years. Thank you for your continued support. To Minister Fderick and Pierce Valmore and Mr. Mafi, thank you for the beautiful trees and trees and fruit trees that have been provided for this community. [applause] I would like to express a heartfelt thanks to honorable Papa Scarit for her continued support in housing and supporting our single mothers here within Woodf Hill. [applause] >> Honorable Papa Scared made several visits during construction and after construction. The minister also visited several of the families and spoke to them and got a firstirhand view of their living situation. On behalf of the entire Worthy family, we say thank you [applause] >> to the honorable prime minister. We say a heartfelt thank you sir for your continued support to the constituency and specifically the community of Woodford Hill. Finally, to my constituents, the people of this constituency, I want to assure you that your Labor Party government has made housing an absolute priority. For those of you who are waiting to be touched, I assure you that we will get to you. We have made promises and we have kept those promises and we continue to deliver. [applause] I remain true to you. I remain committed to serving you and I will be there for you always. >> This is our time. This is our season. >> I promise you that the best is yet to come to each home here in this constituency. [applause] Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you, Honorable Grant. At this moment, I would like to invite to the podium Mr. KL Murad, project manager of the Montreal Management Consultants Establishment Limited to share with us a project overview. Mr. Murad, thank you. [applause] >> Good afternoon everyone. Honorable Roland Rio, acting prime minister of Commonwealth of Dominica. Honorable Melissa Scarret, Minister of Housing and Urban Development. Honorable Fedel Grant, Parliament Representative of Whistley Constituency, other honorable members of cabinet, your excellencies, the members of diplomatic and councelor Corp, Mr. Sver, permanent secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, other permanent secretaries, Mr. Thomas Matthew, Miss Brittany Alexander, beneficiaries, distinguished guests, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great pleasure to stand before you here today and express my sincere appreciation to the Commonwealth of Dominica represented by his acting minister for giving MMC the opportunity to develop this project. Thanks to honorable minister of housing and urban development, Miss Melissa Skirit and Mr. sovereign for their continued support up to last night. I mean, she showed up two, three times just for the past uh 48 hours. Um, also thank you for the contractors for those contractors who contributed to bringing this project to completion. Special thanks to the entire team MMC team for their dedication, hard work and commitment. Now the technical description of the project you're looking at is as follows. The whole site area is about 1.6 acres. The number of houses, individual houses are eight, which we see on that side, plus two main duplexes. Each dublex has four houses. So in total, we have 16 houses. And these duplexes, we don't call them apartment, we call them, we call them houses because you can get to each unit individually just as you are getting to the house. whether it's on the ground floor or it's in the first floor. So it's just as an individual house if you see the design and you experience the walk through. Each house size is about,00 square ft. Each house includes a living dining area with an open kitchen, a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and its own bathroom. And then you have two bedrooms sharing one bathroom in addition to a laundry room and the entry porch including the landscape etc. All utilities in this project and in all other projects of MMC actually are installed underground with regards to Dominic Dawasu and communication. All structures that you're looking at are reinforced concrete structures frames with uh reinforced concrete masonry units which means the masonry unit you fill it up with concrete and you reinforce it as well. All structures have been designed to be resilient to earthquakes and hurricanes including the windows. Each house has its own septic tank and socka away. For the black water, but for the gray water and drainage system, all these houses are connected to a main pipe and that main pipe is connected to another pipe all the way to the raine. Sorry. Finally, I would like to congratulate all the new homeowners, wishing them all the happiness. Thank you very much. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Murad. At this moment, I would like to invite to the podium Miss Magdalene Laura and Gemma Lewis to share with us testimonial. Please come forward, Gemma. >> [applause] >> Mark, >> afternoon, >> honorable Melissa Scarit and acting prime minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica on Roland Roland. I'm rare. Everyone good afternoons about that. Today I stand before you humble, deeply moved and almost at a loss of words. Receiving this home here is not simply receiving four walls and a roof. It is receiving peace after uncertaintity, shelter after struggle, and the precious gift of knowing that my children finally have a safe place to call their own. [applause] As a single parent raising three boys, there have been many days when I carried worries quietly and wondered how I would give them the security they deserve. Through every difficult moment, I held on to one prayer that my boys would have a stable home. [applause] >> Where they could feel safe, love, and free to dream. be fine. >> Today that prayer has been answered. I can now look into their eyes and tell them this is our home. [applause] >> Those words mean more to me than I could ever fully explain. Within this home, we will share meals. [sighs] >> [snorts] >> celebrate birthdays, comfort one another, [snorts] laugh together, and go and grow through every season of life. I pray that it will always be a place filled with faith, warmth, respect, and an open door for others. I receive this home with humility and with a deep sense of responsibility. [snorts] I promise to care for it, treasure it, and fill it with love. I will do everything in my power to make it a place where my three boys can grow into kind, responsible, and compassionate young men. [applause] Thanks again to the government of Dominica, Prime Minister, Mr. housing and my parent. >> You have not only changed where we live, you have changed how we face tomorrow. >> Thank you for giving my children not just a house but a home and for giving our family a new beginning. May God bless you all. [applause] >> [applause] >> Good afternoon to everyone to our acting prime minister honorable Roland Royer our housing minister Mrs. Melissa Scarit and our par Mr. grant. Amen. >> Today with today my heart is full of joy and gratitude. I am deeply thankful for the beautiful threebedroom home that has been given to me and my family. This gifts mean a lot to us. As a single mother of seven and a grandmother of three. Life has not been been always easy. I all are not with me at the moment. I have worked hard on the farm raising rising early in the morning and continue until the day's work was done. I planted care for crops and face the heat, rain and many uncertain reasons. Through my through every challenge, I kept going because my children depend on me. I I want to sincerely thank the government of Dominica, prime minister, as we say in Wooty Maserit, Minister of Housing and my parlor, who from day one has my back. This three-bedroom home given my children and grandchildren a secure place where we can rest, grow, learn, and spend time together. It gives us shelter from bad weather and space to create happy family memories. After a year of working and hoping, I can sleep with greater peace knowing that my family has a safe roof over our head. I'm also thankful to God for giving me strength throughout the difficult years. I promise to care for this home with love and pride. I will continue to work hard, care for my family, and teach my children and grandchildren the value of gratitude, responsibility, and helping others. May this [applause] May this home always be filled with love, respect, and laughter and welcome. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this life-changing gift. May God bless everyone who help us. My family and I are great truly grateful we truly grateful we will carry this kindness in our hearts for the rest of our life. Thank you very much. [applause] Can we give them a round of applause? [applause] And you just heard two versions of 16. The very story of the two represents all of them. Thank you very much and we appreciate you. At this moment, we would like to invite the Tib to entertain us. Are you in the house? I guess they are not. >> So we await them. As we await Tibu assembly, please be aware that all the beneficiaries today that those you have heard, those you will encounter, those you have seen, some of them live very near to this property like Miss Laura lives right across there. No access road, difficulties over the years. And one of the reasons why we decided to look at this area especially with the assistance of the palp who has been traversing this treacherous incline to visit them found that this property was so appropriate to choose to allow them to settle. Note that the Ministry of Housing had settled on lands way up in the mountains and that was our recommendation. That is somewhere we call Watermill. But it is so remote, so far away from the natural amenities that are available directly in the village that the honorable prime minister on a site visit we had um in 2022 look at it and he said to us, "Are you seriously going to put people in a situation where yes, you give them housing, but you're going to put them into more burdens, transportation, access to healthcare, access to school, ability to attend church and the regular recreational facilities that are well within the community. And so in response to this, the par worked with the ministry to identify additional lots. We identify a number of areas and we resorted to buying here. So while we wait this is the background of this site and um if they are not here we will move on with the program. They are here. proceed. So at this time we'll invite to the podium our housing champion the honorable meister po to share with us and thereafter we will have some attainment from Tijua. Thank you. [applause] Let me recognize the presence of the honorable Roland Royer, our acting prime minister. Honorable Fidel Grant, the power rep for the Wesley constituency. Other members of cabinet, your excellencies and members of the diplomatic corps, the PS in the Ministry of Housing, Mr. Regginal Se former senior housing minister Reginald Austri, Mr. Carl Miad, our project manager, Mr. Thomas Matthew, Miss Berkeley Alexander, beneficiaries, distinguished guests, Jiai, let me hear you. >> [cheering] >> That is it. >> Hello. We are here >> ladies and gentlemen. Today Woodford Hill is shining. >> And I want you to say with me, welcome home. Let's go. Welcome home. >> And let's give our recipients today a round of applause as we congratulate all of them. >> [applause] >> Because we are celebrating a new reality here in the scenic community of Small Farm, a special part of the wonderful village of Woodford Hill, a hidden gem. If you just stay right here, you'll see stunning views >> standing from this location. You know, we first received and as we gather here today, we can't forget to thank the Almighty God for great things that he has done for us right here in Woodford Hill. [applause] When we first received the concept for this project, it was endorsed by the prime minister in 2020 with the aim of building these homes in two years. But as you know, sometimes God has a different timeline and a better plan. And as you heard from the peers, there was much back and forth trying to decide on the best suited location for you. And so during the pandemic, we made the decision, build new three-bedroom homes for families who needed them the most. And today, these homes are here. 16 families ready to come home. [cheering] [applause] And let me be clear, be clear, this is not the end of housing in Wooty. >> And I have to give a special shout out to your loving and caring pal Rep, >> Mr. grant [cheering] who is fighting for you [applause] and who is making sure that Wooty gets their fair share of the pie. [cheering] Mr. Grant didn't want anybody to feel left out. In fact, it was a very difficult decision to decide on 16 families. Last Wednesday I was right here on site with him and together we walked through this site identifying even additional spaces where we can even do more for the people. We are working on ways to beautify here. We started we decided we needed to paint the sidewalks, bring a pop of color, beautify, find new spaces on the downstairs or certain homes which have extra space that we can build onebedrooms for others who were not able to benefit today. So this is just the beginning. Okay, ladies and gentlemen, [applause] I say to your PAL rep, Mr. Grant, keep pushing for your people >> because we are there. We are pushing with you. Your people are pushing with you and the government stands with you. [applause] Ladies and gentlemen, we also see an opportunity to expand small farm and working with the surrounding land owners to create more affordable housing program for Woodford Hill, giving more families the opportunity to own land and build their homes as the international airport will bring new opportunities to your community. And so let me make a special appeal to the people of Woodford Hill who are living abroad. Your family members or diasporons, maybe they are listening online right now. Your moment has arrived as well. >> Our development is not just for locals. We don't forget you. The very opportunities that once took you away from the shores of Dominica are now coming right here in your front door in Woody. [applause and cheering] You will now have an international airport in your backyard. >> And so Woodford Hill is poised for successful business, investment, and growth. and we need your skills, your expertise, your investment and yes, your presence. Woodford Hill is ready. The opportunity is here. So we tell you come home and be part of it. And we are not just saying come home and invest. We as a government shall continue to create the avenues for you, the appropriate policies and the most conducive environment for you to prosper, to for you to work, for you to recreate, to earn, to live, and to do business. Or maybe you just want to have a holiday in your home village. That is because we see a new future for this village. I see Woodford Hill and Wesley becoming one of Dominica's newest urban centers. [applause] And as the Minister for Urban Development and with a permanent secretary who comes right here from this community, just imagine how what all of us can do together. >> And so we have already started. In the coming months, our physical planning division will complete the northeast development plan. And this is a guide which will show you how to utilize this area, how to grow this area from housing and agriculture to sports, tourism, recreation, commerce and industry. And particularly with the new international airport at your at your doorstep, I ask you, are you ready? [cheering] >> Are you ready? >> Yes. >> So, let's start that conversation. Let us put personalities and preferences aside. Let's put the politics aside and let's get on the train to progress and let us move this constituency forward. >> [applause and cheering] >> And if you are asking yourself, what do I need to do to get started? Are you thinking there's no money? Well, you heard the power talk about the 19 million we are putting in place at the ED bank with very low interest development financing. There is an option for you. Are you thinking that there's no approved development plan? We will help guide you through this process. This is what we are currently working on. Are you saying there's land? We have hundreds of acres that can be strategically developed in this area. There are areas for residences. There areas for commercial activity. Just say it, we'll find it for you. >> Are you saying there's no skills or personnel? We can connect you with training right here at home or through our international partners. Are you saying there's no idea? The Northeast Development Plan will give you that road map. It is a blueprint and so you can cherrypick the opportunities that will fit you. Are you saying there's no access? Our team is ready to help with planning, legal and property advice, construction management and building resilience support. So I ask you, what are you waiting for? The opportunity is here. The land is here. The plants are coming. All we need is you. Now I would like to talk to the residents of Woodford Hill and Wesley. >> Hello. You have something that many communities are jealous of and dream of having. [applause] It is your international airport right in your backyard. [applause and cheering] So I say to you, milk it. Milk this big opportunity. Use it. Utilize it. Make money from it. Get rich off of it. But you have to be united. >> It is more difficult to rise alone >> because if one person succeeds while everybody else is struggling, your community is not really moving forward. I want you to rise together. >> Unite. >> Look out for each other. Do business with each other. Share the opportunities. And please, I ask you, use the land that you have. Plant, plant, plant. You are blessed with land. You see, Rose Central is concrete. We have >> that's what we have. So my constituents have to go and get bags and planting bags, put it on their porch, put in the little alleyways in their backyard, which is concrete. That's all we have cuz we are not blessed with rich fertile soil and land to plant. >> So use the resources before you. And if your backyard gives you more pumpkins than you can eat, don't let them spoil. Sell some, bring some to your neighbor, and come back with some of their tomatoes. That is how communities grow. Learn to live well and learn to thrive together. And remember, this house is not just for today. This house is built, it's a hurricane resilient, category 5 resilient home. This will stand the test of time. This will stand climate change. Any hurricane that pass, you might just be soundproof. You're not hearing no raindrops on your head. You are not going to live in fear. You're going to sit there with your tea and watch what's going out on the other side of the hill. [applause and cheering] >> So, ladies and gentlemen, generations are going to pass through these doors and you will get your title soon. So, you're not just receiving a house. You have an asset that is worth, do you know how much these houses are worth? >> About $450,000. And as time goes by, it will appreciate. And this is an asset that you can pass on to your children. So, let me tell you something. When you see that Roosevelt Scared International Airport opens, >> [cheering] >> No money going to start rolling [cheering] through your constituency. Like he said, money, money, money, money, money. We're going to see money in your constituency. Milk it and milk it early. Make good use of it. Thank you, my lady. And this is why I always tell my women and my youth organization, you know, I never believe in one source of income, especially when you are young and you still have life in you to move and to do things for yourself. And so if you're working on the NEP, as far as I understand, quite a bit of recipients are working on the NEP. That's great. >> But I ask you, what is your side hustle? Where else are you making money? If you no longer have to pay rent, it is going to be an instant raise that you have. >> But don't make plans to spend this extra money on things that you don't need. >> Invest it, save it, and build something for yourself. What the soil, build a skill, start a small business. Can you smoke chicken or fish? The restaurants who are coming up in this area are going to be asking for this. Can you make a good cocoa? >> Visitors will buy it. >> Can you braid hair? Our visitor ladies learn to braid the fine blonde white hair. It's a little slippery. It's straight. It's a little more difficult. But they love our hairstyles. You might just be called to an Airbnb to braid their hair. That is a side hustle that you can have. >> Can you cook real Dominican food that a foreigner would love to try? >> Someone staying in an Airbnb close by may be willing to hire you for the night to come in and cook for their families. >> Are you a nail tech or a nail or or a makeup artist? People traveling don't always want to leave their hotel for services. Nowadays, people pay a lot for convenience. They want to be able to call you, come to my hotel, come to my Airbnb, and come and provide me with this service. So, you have to be ready for when this come along. To our young men, what skill do you have that somebody will pay you for? Is it landscaping? Can you be a security man, a handyman, a driver? Can you give a good massage to a tourist? Find your skill and sharpen it >> because my friends, Woodford Hill is rising, Wesley is rising, and the Northeast is rising. So I want you to rise with it. >> [applause] >> And so I believe that with the right attitude, the right planning and the people who are willing to work together with the government backing you, the north can become another new city in Dominica. >> Your house is here, your land is here, your opportunity is coming, the airport is coming. Now, let's make sure this prosperity comes to your doorstep as well. And so to our 16 recipients, I say congratu and congratulations and welcome home. You receive a hurricane resilient home with almost half a million given to you as a gift from the Labor Party government and given to you as a blessing from the good Lord. [applause] With this gift comes responsibility. I ask you to care for it. Respect your neighbors. Protect the peace. Keep your community safe, crimefree, and clean. Do this then. This home is yours to enjoy, cherish, and to pass on to your children. And so we give thanks to the good Lord for this wonderful moment. Thank you to our local contractors. And I would like to single out Mr. Jenna Etinov who worked on this project. May his soul rest in eternal peace. did wonderful work here. Mr. Eteninov, as you know, dry died from a tragic ve vehicular accident about a year ago, but his work is here before us. To the land owners and the occupants affected by the this development, we extend our kindest regards and we look forward to assisting Mr. Frank who as you know is waiting for a comfortable place to stay and we are working on this to our permanent secretary regional se aimy man himself to all the staff at the ministry of housing who've been working closely with the PS I say thank you and special thanks to K the [gasps] project manager let me tell you when we visited here last Wednesday we saw a number of things we wanted done in two is and he delivered. We wanted our sidewalks painted. [cheering] We asked I asked for pillars at the front. I didn't know he could accomplish this overnight build with concrete. I thought it was something he could have placed down, but he waved his magic wand and he had this done. The areas were leveled. The plants as you know on the sidewalk. We asked for our palm trees on the homes. In a blink of an eye, Mr. Card delivered. We say thank you. Now I know that you can do that. We have seven more housing sites. So I'll tell you early when is a basketball court where wants a playground. [laughter] I want to say special thank you to our prime minister. I want to thank him for his continued leadership in bringing comfort to the disadvantaged families of Woodford Hill. And it has been a long time since you promised housing here. And today we are experiencing the fruits of your promise. [applause] We know you care and that's the reason that we are all here today. And to my dear beneficiaries, you now have a new home. May gratitude fill your hearts. May this home be the beginning of a safe, secure, and resilient new chapter for you and your children. May your doors always welcome, warmth, laughter, and peace. I pray that no harm may come to this home or to their families who live within it. Today, you receive more than a home. You receive a gift of love, a gift of hope, and a foundation for generations to come. May God bless all of you. May God bless the people of Woodford Hill. May God continue to bless the beautiful Commonwealth of Dominica. Thank you and welcome home. [applause] [cheering] >> Thank you very much. Let's give a round of applause. [applause] >> [cheering] >> At this time, we'll just invite the Tibu drummers to feature a special for us. Tib guy Let's go, guys. Let's occupy the area. Check. Good. Oh, yes. Good day everybody. Baby. [music] [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Yeah. [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] [applause and cheering] >> And seeing that the people get in the house today, I think every one of us can sing one for the people and there foreign. [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] You are way [music] [music] [music] You are [music] [music] Hey, [music] [music] [music] [music] heat. Hey. Glory. [music] [cheering] Dominic say Dominic Dominic Yes. [music] [music] Hey, hey, hey. [music] Oh yeah. [music] Heat. [music] Fire. [music] [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> I get [music] my [music] [music] heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] [music] >> We love you. We are well [music] for you. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Am [music] I [music] all [music] [music] Hey, [music] heat n. [music] [music] [cheering] You guys, [cheering] [applause] can we give them a round of applause? [applause and cheering] That's Thank you. >> Thank you. Can we give them a round of applause? [applause] At this time, I'll take the pleasure of inviting to the podium the honorable acting prime minister, honorable Roland Roy, who is also the parliamentary representative of the cottage constituency and the minister of agriculture, fisheries, blue and green economy. Welcome to the podium honor. [applause] Thank you. Let me first recognize honorable Melissa Poppit, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Honorable Fidel Grant, the Parliamentary Representative for the Wesley Constituency and also the Minister for Public Works, other members of cabinet, your Excellencies, the members of the diplomatic const former minister for housing PS ambassador Emanuel Lanton permanent secretaries Mr. Carl Murad [crying] Mr. Thomas Matthew, Miss Brittany Alexander, beneficiaries, most importantly, distinguished guests, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon. I bring you warm greetings from the honorable Roseb Kerit, Prime Minister, who sends his best wishes to all of you as you receive the keys to your new homes. Today, 16 of you will be blessed with the gift of a new home for you and your families. This is the beginning of a new chapter marked by greater security, comfort, and peace of mind. These homes will become places where your children are raised, where families celebrate important milestones and where memories are created. They will provide stability for people who may have spent years living in difficult conditions or waiting patiently for an opportunity. such as this. To every beneficiary, I offer my warmest congratulations. I know that today represent the fulfillment of a deeply personal hope. I encourage you to care for these homes and make them places of love, discipline, and progress. This handover comes just about one week after 11 families received homes at Kinfield East. Within a space of a few days, 27 Dominican families have received the keys to safe and comfortable homes under the government's housing program. Brothers and sisters, I want to make the point this afternoon that housing must never be reduced to a political tool. A home is not a camping slogan. It is not a favor to be held over someone's head and it should not become an excuse to divide communities. According to party caller, housing is a basic human need and helping families to meet that need is the work of a caring and responsible government. [applause] Our housing program has always been rooted in the belief that every Dominican deserves the opportunity to live in dignity regardless of income, age, family circumstances or political affiliations. We understand that not every family can build or purchase a home without assistance. Construction costs are high. Land is limited and access to financing can be difficult particularly for low-income families, single parent households, senior citizens and persons affected by disasters. A caring government does not ignore those realities. It does not stand at a distance and tells troubling families to manage on their own. It intervenes where it can, mobilizes resources, establishes partnerships, and creates opportunities for people who would otherwise be left behind. That is what our housing program represents. The development taking place in Woodfdale and the surrounding communities extend well beyond housing. This entire area is being positioned to become one of the most important centers of economic activities and opportunity in Dominica. A short distance from here, the government is undertaking the largest infrastructural investment in our country history, the construction of the international airport. And this is where I want to bring the development of homes to the people of Woodford, Wesley and the surrounding communities. And of course, I speak here of all Dominicans listening today. When the airport becomes operational, honors of people will be needed to keep it functioning. There will be opportunities for customer service representatives, security officers, baggage handlers, ground handling personnel, cleaners, maintenance workers, firefighters, drivers, administrators, information technology specialists, and air traffic personnel. There will also be opportunities that are not located inside the airport itself. Taxi operators will transport arriving passengers. Farmers will supply fresh produce to hotels. Restaurants and catering companies. Fishers can supply seafood. Bakers for food vendors can serve workers. Travelers and businesses. Contractors, plumbers, electricians, landscapers and technicians will be needed to maintain properties and facilities. More visitors will require more guest houses, apartments, and small hotels. They will want authentic Dominican food, cultural experiences, village stores, river excursions, craft products, and locally made souvenirs. This means that a young person from Rootford should be able to see the airport and see there is an opportunity there for me. And the preparation must begin now. If you are interested in hospitality, aviation, construction, transportation, agriculture, logistics, security or information technology. Now is the time to seek the necessary training. Parents should encourage the children to look seriously at new careers that will emerge. Young people should position themselves to compete for skilled and professional jobs, not only entrylevel employment. Those who own land should think carefully about how it can be developed responsibly. Families may consider appensments for airport workers, short-term accommodation for visitors or commercial spaces for services. As agriculture minister, I must also stress that the international airport will create an opportunity, an important opening for agriculture. Air access can help us move fresh Dominican produce to excellent markets more quickly. Farmers in Woodford, Wesley, Palm Tree, and neighboring communities should begin considering what crops can be produced consistently and at the required quality and quantity. This is an opportunity to expand production, strengthens farmers groups and improve packaging and processing. Instead of selling only reproduce, we can create teas, seasoning, pepper sauces, fresh products, oils and other value added goods for export and sale for visitors and of course for the international market. Government will continue to create the end environment through training, business support, access to financing and investment in roads, utilities and other essential infrastructure. But our people must also take initiative. We must begin planning businesses before the opportunities arrive, not after others have already taken advantage of them. And so when we consider these new homes being handed over this afternoon, the housing development we have completed at Joelton in Wesley, the impressive tunnel linking Wesley and Woodford and the international airport itself, we begin to see the larger picture. We are building communities alongside infrastructure and the conditions for families to live securely and for businesses to grow. So this afternoon I want to make the point to the people of Woodford that you are not on the outskirts of this development. You are at the center of it. Hallelujah. >> And these 16 homes we hand over today are important part of our wider vision for the development of your communities. To the 16 beneficial families, I say again, congratulations. Your government is pleased to share this moment with you. We ask that you value this opportunity, maintain your homes and contribute posit positively to the life of this community. Today is further proof that our housing pro program is active expanding and changing lives. It is not about politics. It is about people. It is about understanding that a safe home can give a family the foundation from which to pursue education, employment, better health, better health, and a more hopeful future. May this home be filled with love, happiness, and progress. May the investment taking place throughout this area bring lasting opportunities to the people of Woodforddale Wesley and the entire Northeast. May God bless all the beneficiaries and families and may God continue to bless the Commonwealth of Dominica. Thank you very much. [applause] Thank you very much honorable minister. At this moment, we come to that part of the function where we're going to have the families blessed, the homes blessed, and we hand over the keys to the individual. Thereafter, we will ask Mr. Britney Alexander, one of the beneficiaries of the homes, to give us a vote of thanks, and then we'll have some time where we can wooty around. All right. So please bear with us as we invite the honorable prime minister, the honorable minister and the honorable parliamentary representative to step forward as we invite the beneficiaries to come and receive their keys right as we bless. We ask Mr. Thomas to join me in blessing the families and the homes. Let's all stand. >> [music] [music] >> gracious God, we thank you for this new housing development project and for the labor, hands, and hearts that brought it to completion. We dedicate these apartments, these houses to your glory and to the well-being of the community of Woodford Hill. May these walls offer shelter against the storm. And may these doors open to a future filled with stability, dignity, and hope for every resident. May your peace may peace dwell in every room and may your love be the foundation of everything that happens under these roofs. Bless the families who will live here with safety, joy, peace of mind, neighborly love and provision. Keep these homes safe from harm and let your light shines shine brightly here always >> in Christ Jesus we pray. Thank you. Please be seated and we'll invite honorables forward. At this time, I'll call on the names of the pass of the beneficiaries, and you will come forward to receive your package, keys, and a gift token. The gift tokens are coming complimentary to J Aance and Compania Limited, [cheering and applause] Do It Center and Courts Dominica, [snorts] [applause and cheering] Miss Esther Drago. Yeah, they will collect >> Miss Sharon Benjamin [applause] [cheering] Miss Magdalene Agis [applause] Congratulations, >> Miss Vicky Joseph. [cheering and applause] >> [cheering and applause] [cheering] >> Miss Morin Celeststein. [applause and cheering] >> [applause and cheering] >> Miss Karen Celeststein. [applause] [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Miss Ozan Lewis. >> Ozanna Lewis. [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [applause] Miss Shanica Baron [cheering and applause] [applause] God bless you, >> Miss Marita Alexander. [cheering] [applause] >> She's coming. >> But she's she's coming. >> Yeah. Just wait for Congratulations. [cheering and applause] [cheering] >> It's Veronique Jack. >> [cheering and applause] [cheering] >> Miss Gilbert for Africa and Miss Janna Cabbon. [cheering] >> [applause] [cheering] >> Happy birthday. [cheering and applause] [applause] >> Miss Magdalene Lauron [cheering and applause] >> [applause] >> Mr. Noville Sebast and Mr. Scurfia Sebast [cheering and applause] >> [cheering and applause] >> We open, [cheering] [cheering and applause] >> Gemma Leslie. >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [laughter] >> Mr. Philip Africa and Miss Carol Ogist. [cheering] [cheering and applause] >> [cheering] [applause] >> Mr. Kevin Lendo and Tessa Louise. [cheering] [applause] >> [cheering] [applause] [laughter] [applause] >> We're going to cut the rebounds. Okay. Going first to cut the reborns. All right. Yes. Thank you very much. Please be seated. At this moment, we're going to invite the honorables, diplomat, members of the diplomatic corps, members of cabinet. Thank you. First, let's let's ask Bney to say thank you first. We're going to invite Britney to say thank you to us first and then we'll go ahead and have the opening uh ribbon cutting on the other side. Mr. Vitney Alexander. [applause] Oh my go. I hope you all had a wonderful time in my beautiful but ever growing community. I understand we only see certain faces during certain times but this afternoon says otherwise. The doors are open. >> I would like to thank the honorable >> the honorable Roland for being with us this afternoon. Your presence made a difference. Miss Poppy and the entire Ministry of Housing Development, your efforts are recognized in making 16 dreams a reality personally, including my granny's own to the honorable Ferrant B. [applause] [cheering] Thanks for always showing up for wood foil. To the other caveat members, thanks for showing us love and support. We appreciate to Mr. Thomas who prayed. Thank you to the legendary Tibbor keep the culture alive to other officials inviting guests kater police. Thank you to my resilient people. Your presence was felt here today. Keep it like that. Stay safe and safe travels home. >> [applause and cheering] >> Thank you very much. At this moment, I'll just ask you to stay seated. We're going to invite the members of cabinet, the beneficiaries, and the acting prime minister, honorable minister of housing and the palp to join us as we have a rebound cing just so you'll be able to see what's going on. So just stay seated the rest of you as we have the official opening of the village. Thank you. There's refreshment. This is great. Don't drop it though. Don't drop it. Thank you. >> [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. [music] >> [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music]