Prime Minister Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell is high in praise for the Government of China and the important role it is playing in assisting his administration to deliver on its promise of more affordable housing to Grenadians.
The second phase of the China Aid Low-Income Housing Project will provide 647 housing units to Grenadian families and last Friday, a ceremony was held to mark the completion of 130 more of those units in Diamond, St Mark.
Giving support to the one-China policy, Dr Mitchell said Grenada’s decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 2004, has brought tremendous benefits to the people of Grenada. He said, “Our role in Government is about building up our people and improving their quality of life. Housing is an important consideration in improving the quality of life and we are making a significant contribution to this, through this low-income housing project. We must thank China for its benevolence in that regard.”
The Prime Minister challenged the Chinese Ambassador to Grenada to bring even more housing support to the country as he is keen to see a housing project in the parish of St John as well.
The Prime Minister also debunked claims that the China Government is attempting to control Grenada as part of a plan to create hegemony. He said, “The relationship between China and Grenada has always been one of mutual respect. They have helped us achieve tremendous development strides but most importantly, they recognise the sovereignty of Grenada and similarly, we recognise the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China.”
Minister of Social Development and Housing, Honourable Delma Thomas said the low-income housing project will positively impact many Grenadian families and she urged those who will benefit to ensure that the units are properly maintained.
Parliamentary Representative for St Mark, Honourable Clarice Modeste-Curwen, echoed the sentiments that the housing project will help to improve the quality of life of persons in the parish and that it demonstrates Government’s ongoing commitment to taking care of the needs of the people.
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada, His Excellency, Wei Hongtian, said progress on the project has been challenging because of delays caused by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he offered assurances that both the Chinese and Grenadian Governments attach great importance to housing and improving the wellbeing of citizens.
GIS
Let’s be clear. It’s not China’s fault..in fact anyone can propose anything but it takes good leadership to make the right decision. Grenada has poor leadership.
What is the COST of those Units (say per Sf. Ft.), and compare same to the Open Market Costs for Housing on the Island? They certainly do NOT appear like Low Income Housing though; is it because of the Location of the Housing?
This is Chinese housing for chinese people. I was told these were built for foreigners to come and stay in. No they won’t. These high density developments cause friction, they offer NO sustainibility of any open ground for food planting. You need to wake up Grenada, China is coming like a snake in the garden of Eden, with loans, fake gifts and you have already given them Hog Island, you are allowing the destruction at Mount Hartman for crappy fake medical tourism hosted by the chinese. This will not aide the local population. Chinese only hire chinese. Levera, endanger the turtles and the environment by people who refuse to recognize the government of the island they are living on.
Why is the chinese representative on Grenada allowed to diseminate chinese propaganda and then the stupid media pick it up and reproduce it like it is news? Did none of you read that this man who is on Grenada stated that the cure for the poverty of Grenada is for China to take over? Wake up. Stand Up and learn how to vote in an opposition party to bring some common sense to your government so there is a hope of the dictatorship falling soon.
Never trust China, remember these words…
It’s disgusting that the government will accept this type of housing. Putting poor people in this type of housing projects without jobs makes one thing clear; recipients will be forever dependent on government handouts. Also, it will make easy for recipients to be pressured for political votes. Disgusting.
As a people we need the will power to stand up for what is right.
People need stable, safe, affordable housing in order to be contributing members of society. Yes, there will be a few who won’t but that is always the case. They will not be the majority.
Thank you china but we should have told them that our people are not ready for this type of housing which is fine if you intend to stay there on a short term basis.
I am very grateful for this assistance but we all know that no one gives anything for nothing.
These types of housing are fine for city dwellers who has a micro lifestyle but the folks who they claim the houses are for came from a different environment where they have live stock and like putting their washing out to dry and not too much involvement with the utility companies on a monthly basis.
In saying that some may adopt but not many and you will have a lot of conflicts.
So on that note I day watch this space for what is to come and it will come .
I totally agree Storm, our people live in the hills, they garden, have livestock, and have no need for living in a big box building with many same-same rooms. In America they built “the projects” in the inner cities and those failed.
Storm right, nobody give someting for nothng. I feel china want to move the squatters off their land to these boxes then the Grenada government will sell the land to china and others. Round the people up, put them in compounds. Easier to watch, keep controlled and away from the investor’s resorts and newly deeded properties courtesy of Keith.
Watch closely what is happening all over the island, like a thief sneaking up on us in the night to rob our home from us.
Like most things “Made in China” these houses will likely fall apart in a year or two. China won’t care. Wouldn’t it be good if everyone said NO to Chinese housing projects and didn’t live in them. At least that way, when the houses collapse no-one will be hurt.