“WE WERE GIVEN THE MANDATE TO BUILD, AND WE ARE BUILDING,” SAYS DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER HANLEY

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, December 17, 2025 (SKNIS) — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Human Settlement, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to providing safe, adequate, and affordable homes for the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Speaking during the 2026 Budget Debate on December 17, Dr. Hanley outlined the impressive progress made in delivering on the government’s housing mandate and the unprecedented pace at which homes are being constructed across the island.

“Housing is a fundamental right,” Dr. Hanley stated. “It is a cornerstone of dignity, security, and community. In 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Human Settlement will continue its vigorous programme to provide safe, adequate, and affordable homes for our people.”

Providing a detailed update, Deputy Prime Minister Hanley reported that, to date, the National Housing Corporation (NHC), has completed a total of 260 homes, with an additional 60 homes currently under construction, bringing the total number of homes delivered to 320. “It has never happened in one term of a government,” he noted. “And we are just three years into this term.”

Dr. Hanley emphasised that these achievements represent not only infrastructure development but also a tangible expression of the government’s investment in its people. He further highlighted the success of the First-Time Homeowners Initiative, which has enabled hundreds of citizens to achieve their dream of home ownership through government concessions.

“In 2023, 159 opportunities were provided for first-time homeowners to receive concessions. In 2024, 168 persons benefited, and in 2025, 158 persons have already benefited,” Dr. Hanley revealed. “That’s a total of 485 persons who have been able to own their homes through this initiative — plus the 320 homes that NHC has delivered.”

The deputy prime minister also shared details on the East Street, Newtown Revitalization Initiative, describing it as a visible example of community transformation. “Now you look at East Street, Madam Deputy, and you see transformation taking place in the community, giving those families bigger spaces and a better environment,” he said. “We have completed two buildings so far—two, two-story buildings, four apartments each—eight in total. And we are building a low-income house on a lot that was never occupied, for one of the residents of East Basseterre. That is investing in our people.”

Dr. Hanley further noted that housing projects are ongoing in several communities across the island, including in Ottley’s, Racecourse, Newton Ground, Harry Phipps, Stapleton, Gillard’s, and Sandy Point, underscoring that the government’s commitment to equitable housing development extends to every constituency.

“We are committed to delivering homes, and nothing will stop that,” Dr. Hanley affirmed. “My plea from this Honourable House is to say to our people: value the investment. Make your payments so that others can benefit.”

Reflecting on the broader vision behind these achievements, Dr. Hanley concluded, “We received the mandate from the people to build, and we are building.”

Deputy Prime Minister Hanley commended the management and staff of the National Housing Corporation for its tireless work to expand access to affordable housing, improve living conditions, and strengthen communities through sustainable development across Saint Kitts.

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