ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA, February 12, 2015 - GIS: Another 20 families are proud recipients of one bedroom and two bedroom apartments in Frequente, St. George thanks to the joint venture of Grenada and the People’s Republic of China. 

Government, on Thursday, handed over the keys to more than eleven of the twenty beneficiaries who have already had water and electricity services transferred to their name from government.

Minister for Housing, Hon. Delma Thomas, called on the new home owners to take care of the houses, echoing similar appeals made to persons who received houses in Mt. Rush last week.

“Follow all the rules that have been set out and observe the conventions that will ensure here remains the whole place it is today,” Minister Thomas said.

She also insisted that there should be no tolerance for anti-social behavior on the compound.

“This cannot be transformed into a place for illegal activities. There will be zero tolerance for that,” the Housing Minister said.

Meantime, Chester Humprey, President General of the Technical and Allied Workers’ Union, has pleaded with the recipients to revive the spirit of unity that once existed among Grenadian communities.

“I would want to see in this community, not a slum, not a ghetto, but a community that you proudly live in, that you call your home. One that is peaceful, respectful and goes back to the old Grenadian way of each of us looking out for one another,” he said.

Minister for Implementation and Parliamentary Representative for South St. George, Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel said Thursday’s ceremony is a perfect reflection of the benefits of Grenada’s 10 year bi-lateral relationship with the People’s Republic of China.

“We really owe a lot to the People’s Republic of China and we really have to say a very special thank you to all of you. The friendship that has grown over the last 10 years has been tremendous., and we are seeing the benefit of that friendship. They have done so much for us and we are so grateful,” Minister Otway-Noel said.

Recipients say they are happy that this moment has finally arrived.

“I’ve always wanted to survive and live on my own and this is another opportunity which I have been blessed with to do such a thing”, one young male home owner said.

The significant occasion was witnessed by over 40 persons including government and housing officials, trade union representatives and other well wishers.