Dominica: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development handed over 22 new Hurricane resilient homes under the Housing Recovery Project. The government is strengthening communities and delivering safe, climate resilient homes for the people with this initiative. The homes were granted to the Bellevue Chopin residents by President Sylvanie Burton on Monday, Nov 17, 2025.
In addition to this, 69 more set of new homes will be delivered to the residents of Stadium Forecourt on Thursday, Nov 20, 2025.
Dominica’s Initiative Under Housing Recovery Project
While handing over the new homes to the Acting Prime Minister Irving McIntyre remarked the celebration of 22 newly constructed, climate-resilient homes under Dominica’s Housing Recovery Project.
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, he highlighted the continued commitment of the government to rebuild stronger after Hurricane Maria and ensuring safe, decent housing for all citizens.
McIntyre emphasised that the project represents restored dignity and renewed opportunities, he noted that housing is a human right and a foundation for national development. He underscored the administration’s long-term, people-focused approach, especially towards vulnerable groups such as seniors, single mothers, low-income families and those who are displaced by climate impacts.
He reaffirmed that thousands of housing interventions have already been delivered and more developments are underway. Acting PM Irving McIntyre thanked the World Bank, contractors, engineers, community leaders and the Ministry of Housing for their collaboration. He congratulated beneficiaries, urging them to cherish their new homes as symbols of security, resilience and new beginnings for their families.
Climate Resilient Homes for Residents
Parliamentary Representative for Roseau South – Chekira Lockhart-Hipolite, highlighted the importance of climate-resilient housing as Dominica nears the end of the 2025 hurricane season. She expressed gratitude that Dominica was spared from major disasters, unlike Jamaica, which suffered severe destruction from Hurricane Melissa. This reality reinforced the commitment of the government to build resilient homes as part of Dominica’s mission to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation.
She noted that after Hurricane Maria destroyed over 90% of Dominica’s housing stock, government acted swiftly to replace vulnerable structures with stronger homes. Through the Housing Recovery Project (2019–2025), 382 resilient homes were constructed with support from the World Bank, which provided financial, technical and administrative assistance. Beneficiaries received grants up to $141,000 for two-bedroom homes, while land titles were regularised for 170 families at no cost.
Adding to the details, she mentioned that over $69 million was disbursed directly to 386 beneficiaries through contractors approved by homeowners. She outlined ongoing initiatives in the Pichelin, Bellevue, Grand Bay areas, including new housing developments, title issuance, 50 new units under the Dubique resettlement, and 26 commercial spaces for small businesses. Handing over of these homes brought together the total to 313, Lockhart-Hipolite then praised the project teams, engineers, contractors and ministry staff for ensuring safe, dignified housing for Dominican families.
A World Bank Funded Initiative
Considering this, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy – Julian Defoe welcomed the attendees to Bellevue Chopin and stated that the community was chosen to host the ceremony where over 22 beneficiaries received new climate-resilient homes. He emphasised that the project was financed through a World Bank loan, it is completely an initiative of the Government of Dominica.
Defoe highlighted the significant effort put by the public servants, including the Ministry of Housing team, former Permanent Secretary Dr. Kyra Paul, and Reginald S., who worked tirelessly to ensure beneficiaries received their homes before the project deadline.
He reflected on the broader impact of Bellevue Chopin, where over 350 housing units were previously built, transforming lives and advancing Dominica’s housing revolution.
The Housing Recovery Project has now concluded, but the government remains committed to constructing thousands of more homes through ongoing programmes and international partnerships, continuing its mission to support vulnerable families across the country.