Final Day, Housing Minister makes appeal

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, September 29, 2023 – Islanders in the Turks and Caicos only have hours left to register for the Government’s free housing programs that could net them publicly funded renovations or even new housing.

Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID, called on residents to send in their applications before the September 29th deadline so TCIG could provide them with the help they need.

“Get your applications down and put them in as soon as possible,” he implored during a video message posted over the weekend.

The video, shared on Facebook, announced that there were only seven days to the application deadline.

The two programs offered in this first Housing Department initiative are: the ‘Home Improvement for Existing Homeowners Program’ and the ‘Community Renewal and Infilling Program.’

Applicants to the Home Improvement for Existing Homeowners Program must be islanders and, if successful, will receive monetary help up to $50,000 to refurbish housing.

Successful applicants to the Community Renewal and Infilling Program will receive either upgrades to their housing or new homes, depending on damage sustained to their current residences.  The most vulnerable will be considered first in this program, it will not be first-come first-served, according to guidelines spelled out by the Department of Housing.

TCIG has committed to helping as many residents as they can with the allotted cash, Robinson had told Magnetic Media.

“It will be an ongoing program subject to funding availability—- Now clearly, it’s not unlimited funding, so we’ll prioritize those in greater need first.  Of course we will continue because we can always reopen the application process so that it isn’t a one-off time.”

Applications for the housing programs may be sent to https://www.gov.tc/housing/