A Cayman Brac family realised a dream with the help of Sister Islands Affordable Housing Development Corporate (SIAHDC) recently.

Mr and Mrs Ricardo McLean received keys to their three-bedroom homes located on the West End site. The McLeans say they were elated that they received this opportunity.

Mr. McLean, 24 teaches at the Creek Primary and is married to Natalie Uriz-Mclean. “We are beginning a new chapter in our lives. I think it is pretty exciting. It is one of the biggest steps a person can take to be a responsible citizen,” exclaimed Mr. McLean.

“It seems like a dream. My wife is ecstatic and we can already envision where the furniture goes,” he added.

SIAHDC implemented the third phase of its affordable homes project in which eight homes have been constructed – four three-bedrooms on the West End site and four additional units (one 2-bedroom and three 3-bedroom) on the new site at Watering Place.

The plans are similar to the eight existing homes at the West End site, which are 855 sq. ft. for a 2-bedroom home and 1,073 sq. ft. for a 3-bedroom unit.  While the units are called affordable homes, all are well constructed and go beyond the usual standards required. The inner walls are full concrete and the homes are complete with a full kitchen and all the standard appliances such as washer, dryer, refrigerators.

So far, seven out of the eight homes have buyers in various stages of closing, said SIAHDC Chairman Christine Maltman.

Mrs. Maltman said she was pleased with the high standard of work carried out by the contractors and was thrilled to see people now moving into the homes.

“This is perhaps the most rewarding part of the job for us, SIAHDC Board members. I would like to thank the Minister for her vision and for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful project,” she added.

Deputy Premier and Minister of District Administration, Works, Lands and Agriculture Hon Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said she was ecstatic to see a new set of home owners.

“Handing over the keys to a new owner truly makes me proud. An occasion such as this has such a profound effect on people’s lives. We have given them hope and a new beginning. It is now up to them to continue moving forward,” she stated.

“The Sister Islands Affording House scheme is good on so many levels for our community in the Brac. It provides young people with a new start and a chance to build equity, rather than spend funds on rent. They can see where their money is going. The money that it takes to build these homes also infuses the entire community and everyone benefits,” the Deputy Premier said.