By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 9th April 2026)u2014Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Human Settlements Dr. Geoffrey Hanley is encouraging homeowners and tenants in the government subsidized units to make their regular payments, pointing out that such will allow more persons and families to benefit from the governmentu2019s ongoing housing programme.
u201cI want to emphasize that the sustainability of this governmentu2019s affordable housing solution programme depends on shared responsibility. We are urging homeowners and tenants in government subsidized units to honour their payment obligations in a timely manner so that we can be in a position to help many more persons,u201d he said.
Dr. Hanley made the appeal while appearing on the debut of the programme Progress Report, aired live on Freedom FM on Wednesday 8th April 2026.
The minister, who is also the Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher One (East Basseterre) outlined several housing developments undertaken over the past three years as part of the governmentu2019s housing initiative.
u201cI remember there was a time when persons were saying theyu2019re not seeing anythingu2026and when persons start to drive around, they recognize exactly what is happening. In 2024, over 40 homes were completed plus the apartment that I just spoke about in East Basseterre. In 2025, we had 56 clustered units and an apartment building in both East Street and West Street,u201d he said.
He added that construction activity continues this year. u201cIn 2026 already, we have 17 homes started; 10 more about to begin and 30 cluster units to start and continue in terms of the apartment building style. I must add as well that what weu2019re doing in East Basseterre urban renewal is also going to be seen in Central Basseterre because we donu2019t have any more lands in our constituencies, so weu2019re using the opportunity to upscale and rebuild the communities by doing these high-rise homes,u201d Hanley stated.
Dr. Hanley noted that the government, through the National Housing Corporation (NHC), has already delivered hundreds of housing opportunities to citizens. u201cI can say to you that the government through the National Housing Corporation continues to make strong and measurable progress in delivering its housing mandate. To date we have provided over 820 housing solutions to citizens across the island. These represent real opportunitiesu2014families gaining access to safe, secure and affordable homes,u201d he said.
He added that the housing pipeline for 2026 remains active.
u201cIn 2026 alone, the NHCu2014I want to put in a plug to thank them for their hard worku2026just this quarter NHC is actively engaging in over 100 housing projects, reflecting one of the most robust housing pipelines we have seen in recent years, and thatu2019s a fact; you can go there and get the information,u201d Dr. Hanley said.
The minister also pointed to the governmentu2019s First-Time Homeowners Policy as a major contributor to increased housing access.
u201cA key driver to this success has been the governmentu2019s first-time home ownership policy. Most citizens are now being approved through the Ministry of Finance for duty-free concessions, significantly reducing the cost of home construction and making home ownership more accessible,u201d he explained.
Housing developments are also being expanded into several communities.
u201cWe are also expanding development across multiple communities including Sandy Point and Buckleyu2019s; theyu2019re going to be rolled out shortly, and a space in Tayloru2019s and Conaree with additional areas to follow,u201d Dr. Hanley said.
He noted that many of the developments follow a cluster housing model.
u201cOur approach is deliberate. We are building within communities using a cluster model that promotes cohesion and efficiency in infrastructure development,u201d he added, explaining that the model includes developments such as 10 homes being built in one location and also highlighted the 17 homes currently underway in Newtown Ground.