ST JAMES, Jamaica – Young Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) achiever Chelsia Reynolds of Brompton, St Elizabeth is set to become a homeowner under the Government’s Indigent Housing Programme.

This was announced by Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie when he visited the 19-year-old and her family on June 22.

In March of this year, Reynolds was awarded by the Board of Supervision for being a top achiever in last year’s CAPE and walked away with a plaque and a financial grant. She was among some 48 awardees.

The ceremony recognised children whose parents are clients of the Board of Supervision.

Reynolds is to attend the University of the West Indies in September where she will study law.

“These are the cases that we respond to, and this is one young lady who is not ashamed to speak about the benefits of the Poor Relief Department, and that is something that we must encourage,” Minister McKenzie said.

“We are going to be building a two-bedroom family unit; the land is owned by the family. We are hoping that, as quickly as possible, the construction can be completed so that when she begins university in the new school term, she will feel a sense of pride and joy that one of her wishes has [come true], and I am really looking forward in sharing that occasion with her whenever we get to that time,” he said.

For his part, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth Southwestern Floyd Green thanked Minister McKenzie and the Local Government Ministry for the programme and for the assistance that will be rendered to Reynolds and her family.

“I am happy that the Minister not only came to see what was happening, listened to Chelsia and her family, but has also committed to helping. It is very important that we do these things to keep hope alive, and this is what it is about, and I am very happy that we can address these issues,” he said.

“I want to commend the Poor Relief Department for the work that they have done in finding these situations and providing support. I know that great things will come of this, I know that the family will be truly grateful, and I can’t wait until we can return to [hand over] the new building,” Green added.

Meanwhile, an elated Reynolds thanked the Minister and the Poor Relief Department for selecting her as a future beneficiary of a new house.

“I honestly don’t know what to say; I am just really happy and grateful,” she said.

For her part, Reynold’s mother, Dorraine Powell, said she is grateful for the pending structure, especially as she is on a rough journey as a single parent.

“I am very grateful because it’s been very rough; being a single mother is hard for me, but I am so elated. I don’t know how to tell you thanks, Minister,” she added.

The Board of Supervision is a statutory body under the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

It was established under the Poor Relief Act to supervise and monitor the delivery of poor-relief services through Municipal Corporations.

– JIS