House recipient dies before officially getting keys

A Westmoreland family's dream took a heartbreaking twist after the woman chosen to receive a brand new house under the Government's New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) died before she could officially claim it.

Nellie White, of Savanna-la-Mar, passed away only weeks after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, having spent just one month inside the home she had long hoped for.

Her niece, Beverly Barnaby Moo-Young, stepped forward to accept the keys from Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness during an emotional handover ceremony on November 28.

Barnaby Moo-Young said the advancement of the home's construction coincided with a sudden decline in her aunt's health.

"My aunt fell ill; she was having a seizure and I rushed her to the hospital. They admitted her, and about a week after, they released her. When she came out, she couldn't do anything for herself because then, she [also] had a stroke... and she was there until she passed away," she said.

Meanwhile, Holness reflected on the occasion, emphasising both the blessing of the home and the sorrow accompanying the loss.

"We give thanks for the life of your aunt, and we are very happy that you could be the beneficiary [of the home]," he stated.

The prime minister explained that the decision to transfer the home to Barnaby Moo-Young was a reflection of her dedicated role in caring for her aunt during her illness.

"You were noted as the caregiver. When we were doing the house, we actually built two rooms... one for you and one for her, because you were her sole caregiver. So you become the beneficiary," Holness said.