This house belongs to Alton Campbell who will be moving in early in the New Year.

Four low-income families in Cayman Brac were given a special Christmas gift when Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Juliana O’Connor-Connolly and Moses Kirk Kirkconnell handed them keys to their new homes on 24 December.

Also on hand to deliver the good news were Sister Islands Affordable Housing Committee members Todd Eldridge, General Manager, and Andre Scott, Chairperson.

The houses were slated for delivery several months ago but fell behind schedule due to lack of fixtures and amenities.

Hurricane Paloma further impeded the process after the houses were utilized as a dwelling place for volunteers from Grand Cayman who assisted with recovery process. All the recipients of the affordable housing project were in a jubilant mood, with some saying the gesture could not have come at a better time.

Alton Campbell, a proud recipient of one of the homes, said he was very delighted in acquiring his new home. However, he said he would do some minor changes before moving in.

“I never imagine that I would get the keys in my hands until the New Year, so all my preparations for the Christmas are concentrated in my current abode,” he said.

“There are a few changes that are being made in painting among getting the additional furniture. I will definitely move in for the New Year.”

“This is the best Christmas gift I could get from anyone,” said Jennifer Ebanks, another recipient of the affordable homes. “This is my own and I cannot express the joy enough.”

Previously, Ms Ebanks and her family, including her husband Wezley Pryce, were living at Darrell’s Apartment before the hurricane destroyed the entire building. Her older daughter Mekita stood by her in caring for her family during the disaster – actions which her mother holds in high regards.

“I’m mostly happy for my children as the hurricane took the house we use to live and this proved to be task for them to condition their mind to,” she said.

“I saw the joy on their face Christmas morning when everyone woke up in their new home.”

Ms Ebanks expresses her appreciation to Mr Eldridge for tiling their steps as a Christmas bonus, adding that Mexi-Ann Grant must also be commended in believing in her and allowing her to attain the landscaping job at the schools.

“It is my premonition that my steady job aided me in getting this house and Mrs Grant was instrumental in this case,” Ms Ebanks said.

“Many a times I gave up hope as the finality on the project was taking too long. I was discouraged but had strong support from the first elected member (Mrs O’Connor-Connolly).”

Homeowners were busy acquiring the additional furniture for their new home while others were engaged in landscaping activities, adding to the overall aesthetics.

To many residents affected by the hurricane early November storm, this was the best Christmas gift.

The second phase of the project is expected to begin in 2009, according to Leader of Government Business Hon Kurt Tibbetts. The area specified for the new project is in Watering Place.

Mr Eldridge, the Project Manager, said that repairs were done to the houses before they were handed over to the owners.