Young Jamaicans represented the majority of recipients of keys and letters of possession for land during the National Housing Trust’s (NHT) combined handover ceremony for both phases of the Hummingbird Meadows as well as the second phase of the Monymusk Country Estate in Clarendon last Friday (November 10).

The handing over of the keys and letters of possession, was led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

During his keynote address, Holness revealed that 81 per cent of the new mortgagors for Monymusk were from the 25 to 40 age group. A similar age range represented more than 70 per cent of the new mortgagors at Hummingbird Meadows. This sees a combined 75 per cent of young adult homeowners for both developments.

Noting the affordability and accessibility of both developments, the Prime Minister further revealed that more than half the selectees for Hummingbird earned weekly incomes of between minimum wage and $42,000, accessing their mortgages at either zero or two per cent. Similarly, for Monymusk, 57 per cent of the new mortgagors earn between $7,000 to $30,000.99, accessing their mortgage at 0 per cent.

Addressing the need for even more affordable housing, Holness emphasised the NHT’s commitment to bringing even more houses to the market through public-private partnerships.

“We are very interested in bringing the capabilities of the private sector to the affordable segment of the market through several facilities like the Guaranteed Purchase Programme and Developers Programme to expand the rapid build-out of houses,” said Holness.

Welcoming the new homeowners, Cabinet minister and Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Eastern, Pearnel Charles Jr., noted that developments like Hummingbird and Monymusk facilitate the implementation of well-needed infrastructure to serve the community and surrounding environs.

The MP revealed that the community could expect the construction of a 150,000-gallon water tank through the joint efforts of the National Water Commission (NWC) and the NHT. This, according to the Charles Jr., is to be followed by the construction of a 700,000-gallon well.

Representing the NHT board, director Doran Dixon advised that the ceremony was continued evidence of the trust’s commitment to Jamaica.

“The NHT is proud that another group of well-deserving Jamaicans will experience the joys of homeownership. These houses and serviced lots will not only provide shelter for families but also offer them an opportunity to transform their lives and leave a lasting legacy. Today, we are planting the seed of change for generations to come,” said Dixon.

New homeowner, Vasper Scarlett, in an expression of gratitude, thanked the NHT on behalf of the newly minted mortgagors. He also used the opportunity to encourage his fellow homeowners to manage their new investments wisely.

“I anticipate that we will co-exist harmoniously, we will collaborate with each other to make these schemes flagship housing developments that are pristine, nurturing, progressive and safe.”

Hummingbird Meadows, when complete, will consist of 556 housing solutions. The housing units and serviced lots are being developed in two phases. Meanwhile, phase two of Monymusk Country Estate consists of 351 housing solutions—a combined 907 housing solutions for both developments.