Housing rebuild grant recipient receives first $50k cheque
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has taken another step in its housing recovery efforts by issuing a housing rebuild grant to beneficiary, Mr. Ted Rabsatt who is the recipient of a $150k grant.
Mr. Rabsatt's through the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme funding to assist with the rebuild of his new home, will be issued in three installments of $50k.
According to a release from the Government Information Service, the first installment was handed over to the beneficiary by the Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).
Premier Wheatley, acting in his capacity as District Representative, thanked the Ministry of Health and Social Development for bringing to life Mr. Rabsatt’s dream of a new home.
"We know that he waited a long time and of course, he has been living in less than satisfactory conditions and of course, he was made a promise that his house will be rebuilt and today that promise has been fulfilled with this grant which would be able to rebuild his home," Premier Wheatley said.
Mr. Rabsatt was among hundreds of Virgin Islanders whose homes were destroyed during the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
The Housing Recovery Assistance Programme, established in the aftermath of the two category five hurricanes, was implemented to assist persons through various grants.
Honourable Marlon Penn said the process for the housing assistance grant for Mr. Rabsatt commenced in 2018 and is delighted he can begin the process of owning his new home.
"I am happy to be here as Minister to fulfil this promise that was made to Mr. Rabsatt. He has been a good ambassador for the Territory, someone who we could always count on in the community. He even gave up some of his property to facilitate a sidewalk in the community," Mr Penn said.
Mr. Rabsatt also extended his appreciation to the team at the Ministry of Health and Social Development stating, "I appreciate everything they have done for me. It was a long time and a long wait but I give thanks that we can start."
The Minister for Social Development added that Mr. Rabsatt is a community-minded individual and that it is fitting that he be given a small token of appreciation.
According to a release from the Government Information Service, the first installment was handed over to the beneficiary by the Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).
Premier Wheatley, acting in his capacity as District Representative, thanked the Ministry of Health and Social Development for bringing to life Mr. Rabsatt’s dream of a new home.
"We know that he waited a long time and of course, he has been living in less than satisfactory conditions and of course, he was made a promise that his house will be rebuilt and today that promise has been fulfilled with this grant which would be able to rebuild his home," Premier Wheatley said.
Programme designed to rebuild & repair homes
Mr. Rabsatt was among hundreds of Virgin Islanders whose homes were destroyed during the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
The Housing Recovery Assistance Programme, established in the aftermath of the two category five hurricanes, was implemented to assist persons through various grants.
Honourable Marlon Penn said the process for the housing assistance grant for Mr. Rabsatt commenced in 2018 and is delighted he can begin the process of owning his new home.
"I am happy to be here as Minister to fulfil this promise that was made to Mr. Rabsatt. He has been a good ambassador for the Territory, someone who we could always count on in the community. He even gave up some of his property to facilitate a sidewalk in the community," Mr Penn said.
Mr. Rabsatt also extended his appreciation to the team at the Ministry of Health and Social Development stating, "I appreciate everything they have done for me. It was a long time and a long wait but I give thanks that we can start."
The Minister for Social Development added that Mr. Rabsatt is a community-minded individual and that it is fitting that he be given a small token of appreciation.
