Rowley urges youth to invest in real estate

Housing Minister Dr Keith Rowley said when people get good service and were satisfied with what they invested in, their behaviour would be much better and there would be better news to read in the newspapers. Dr Rowley made this statement in his address at the presentation of keys to recipients of the new $250,000 homes at Almond Boulevard in Arima on Friday. Also receiving keys for new homes were persons who would occupy properties at Boys Lane which cost $208,000 and recipients of homes in Malabar priced at $180,000.

He advised that investment in real estate was the right way to go, as families would have something to pass on to their children. Looking at the open market one could see tremendous benefits as five years from now the price of these houses would increase. He said his ministry was now refurbishing the older units to make life more comfortable for the residents, and working actively to provide the deeds for homeowners which were long overdue. According to Rowley, his ministry was working on some of  the irregularities now plaguing the Housing projects. He said some houses were occupied by people who were not the rightful owners. Officials are now visiting these properties and stern measures will be taken to those involved to have this matter rectified as early as possible.

The minister also sent a warning to occupants to desist from having illegal electricity connections. He encouraged the young people to have some stake in the country not only by liming, drinking and feting, but by investing part of their salary in property, as this was the best investment and it would work once you make the sacrifice to pay your mortgage. Calder Hart, UDECOTT Chairman, said there were no delays or cost overruns in this project as the houses were completed on time and with the budget approved. Also attending the function were Eustace Nancis, Mayor of Arima, Anthony Roberts, Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Charles Bourgeois, executive assistant NHA and Drawain Tota, project manager, NHA.