Describing the occasion as monumentous, Housing Minister Richard Frederick says the NHC has never had its own building since its inception. He vows that the organisation will use the new space to aid in the execution of its duties. Colleague Ministers in attendance also noted the importance of the NHC in providing housing and security for the various demographic groups in Saint Lucia.
“For the last 57 years, Saint Lucia Housing Corporation, HUDC, and NHC had been renting premises and never owned their own home. Notwithstanding that the primary purpose of this organization is to assist our citizens, assist the housing landscape, with much-needed affordable housing, develop and sell service lots, and the like. Sadly, as they empowered thousands of Saint Lucians, NHC never empowered itself,” Frederick said in his address to the audience. He says the NHC will no longer be spending millions of dollars in rental fees. “NHC has spent millions and millions of dollars in rent over the last 57 years. Today’s proceedings will see an end to this rental expense.”
Youth and Sports Minister, Hon. Kenson Casimir also underscored the importance of housing plays in sheltering dispossessed youths. “I am so ambitious about doing this for the young people of Saint Lucia - establishing a home for youth, establishing different venues for sports. It’s important that we take this seriously.” Casimir says the NHC will now be able to focus on lowering expenses and investing in top-priority areas.
Equity Minister Hon. Joachim Henry says the location of the NHC’s HQ displays the government’s commitment to equitably distribute development. Henry says it is time to end the stigma.
“This development, entering the Marchand area, is to bring about an equitable approach to the development of the Central Business District. It will give the people of the East a share and the possibility to transform their properties into assets that can contribute to the development of Saint Lucia. I look forward to seeing some of those bungalows increase in value. I am happy to see that development is starting to move in this direction,” Henry said.
The NHC is the second statutory body whose headquarters is on Chaussee Road. Earlier this year, the Youth Economy Agency opened its doors on the Chaussee Road. According to the Prime Minister, the intention is to foster development in that area of Castries which also feeds into the plans for the Walcott House and urban regeneration.