The family of 17-year-old Delano Tucker, whose story of living in challenging conditions has touched the hearts of Jamaicans, now has a beautiful new home built by the government under the New Social Housing Program (NSHP).
Prime Minister Andrew Holness handed over the keys to the three-bedroom flat in Guy’s Hill, St Catherine, during a ceremony on August 11.
Delano will live at home with his parents and sister, who attends Guy’s Hill High.
Holness said when Delano’s story of need was brought to national attention earlier this year, the government reached out to help.
“We looked at the totality of the situation and tried to figure out what would be the best way to help the family and it was clear that it would be [to provide] a house,” he said.
He said steps had been taken to verify the family’s eligibility for assistance under the NSEP.
“I’m confident, based on what I’ve seen of Delano, that he will do great things for this country. I want to encourage the family to stick together, keep working hard and keep leading by example,” Holness urged.
He pointed out that the help provided “is not just a one-time only for Delano. Others who are waiting can have hope that their circumstances will also be considered.”
“The government should always, in everything it does, think if this action is fair for everyone. There are other young people who are just as deserving, but we can help Delano because we have a program in place,” Holness said.
In a viral video in February, Delano, who is a former Guy’s Hill High School student, spoke about the hardships his family faced, including poor housing conditions and a lack of electricity, which affected his access to online classes while schools were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the challenges, he managed to pass nine subjects in the external exams.
There was an outpouring of help for the family from people at home and abroad, including a scholarship to enable Delano to study at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, starting in September 2022.
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In presenting the vote of thanks, Delano’s mother, Nattris Tucker, expressed gratitude for the new home and “the wealth of love, kindness and support” they have shown their family.
“We can’t express how grateful we are for all your support, encouragement and reassurance, whether it’s in cash or a kind word. On this joyful day, we want to thank the Almighty God,” she said.
The PSHP was created in 2018 by Holness as the housing component of the Housing Opportunity Production and Employment (HOPE) program.
It was developed to improve the housing conditions of the country’s poor and disadvantaged population by providing quality, affordable and sustainable housing.
The program is being implemented through the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, with the HOPE unit providing administrative and technical support. By Chanel Spence, JIS
