Silvio Blair (centre) in front of his new dwelling, with (from left) contractor Victor Santos, Social Domain Director Carol Jack-Roosberg, Infrastructure Projects Coordinator Ingrid Whitfield, Policy Advisor Elizabeth Jones and Deputy Government Commissioner Alida Francis.
ST. EUSTATIUS--St. Eustatius resident Silvio Blair was presented with a new home on Friday, December 18. The public entity St. Eustatius said he has worked diligently with the different units within the Directorate of Social Domain to improve his well-being by way of housing and employment, specifically, the Labour Department for employment and the Social Affairs Department for additional support and assistance.
The Labour Department, in a joint venture with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, has introduced a pilot programme to stimulate labour participation for persons with a low to medium chance of obtaining employment, through a wage-cost subsidy programme.
Blair’s current dwelling will be demolished to allow for the expansion of Felicia Viola van Zanten Complex for assisted living with 10 additional homes, five for assisted living and five emergency homes.
This innovative housing solution was made possible by the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sport and the collaborative efforts of the Labour Department, the Social Affairs Department and the Progressive Consultant Bureau.
The Directorate of Social Domain expressed its “profound thanks” to contractor Victor Santos Enterprises for its donations with this project.
“As public entity we are focused on raising the living standard of our inhabitants of St. Eustatius. Therefore, on November 30, the Housing and Living Committee was established in order to further create housing possibilities and adequate living opportunities. We are pleased [to – Ed.] present Mr. Blair with keys to this home for which he has entered into a contractual agreement with government,” said Deputy Government Commissioner Alida Francis.
The public entity wished Blair a “Merry Christmas and much success in his new home and his endeavours.”
