According to a press release issued by SKNIS, 83-year-old Charles Abbott who resides at Ponds Estate witnessed the demolition of his dilapidated 9X8 structure and its replacement with a new 12X16 home.

The release explained that staff members of the Department of Youth were joined by youth volunteers, carpenters fro the Public Works Department, members of the Peace Corps and community activists from the area, who pooled their time and energy to construct Abbott’s home and paint its interior.

Abbott’s response to the philanthropic gesture was, “I feel happy and good…I thank God for Geoffrey and the people who are here working because I don’t have anywhere to sleep. I might get to lie down tonight, in the name of the Lord.”

Youth Director, Geoffrey Hanley, the release informs, expressed thanks to the major contributors to the project, which included: TDC, Builders Paradise, Domus Windows and Doors, LIME, SOL, The Cable, Gordon Pemberton Construction, Parliamentary Representative Dr. Earl Asim Martin, Ricky Bassue, Newtown Sports Club and Courts Ltd for providing a brand new bed on which Abbott now sleeps comfortably.

“Director Hanley further expressed gratitude to the persons that actually worked on the house, many of whom he said, walked away with important lessons. These include showing respect for elders, appreciating the sacrifices of parents, committing to help parents in their golden years, and rewarding decades of community service,” the release explained.

It further noted that this activity falls under the inaugural Youth Habitat Project which was included as part of the November observance of Youth Month in St. Kitts.

The youth Director expressed that he was pleased with the outcome of the project noting that, “The young people … recognize that they have started something that is very positive … and I am [planning] for this to be something we can continue every year.”

Hanley said persons deserving of these acts of philanthropy would be identified as recipients. He also expressed his desire for this exercise to be replicated in other Caribbean territories.

The house building exercise will be featured on this week’s edition of SKNIS’ radio magazine, Perspectives.