By Anastasha Elliott
Area representative for St. Pauls, Michael Perkins, said he would not apologise for criticism that he does too much for his parish.
Perkins was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday to start the construction of a housing development in the Ramsbury area.
He explained that within his constituency of St. Pauls is the capital of Nevis, Charlestown.
“I am of the view that any country, any island that you go to, the island must look good,” said Perkins. “So if we appreciate that simple fact, that our capital town, is found in St. Pauls then along with my colleagues, in this CCM administration, we will do our best to make sure that Charlestown looks better and better in the years to come.”
Fourteen affordable homes and a children’s park would be built on seven acres of land.
Perkins, the minister of public works, said there are also plans to construct netball and tennis courts, and a community centre.
He encouraged the community to come forward and make suggestions on the development of the area.
Perkins urged the gathering to reflect on where the community was two years ago and what has transpired since then.
He pointed out improvements to the hard court facility — including the resurfacing, painting and construction of steps to the court, and also the installation of lights and fencing of the area.
Perkins further pointed out the expansion of the Charlestown Primary School to include a computer lab and additional classrooms.
He disclosed that plans are in the pipeline for the construction of an auditorium in the school over the summer vacation.
Minister Perkins also mentioned the provision of a new play field just east of the school. He noted that over the next few weeks lights would be installed on the field.
During the ceremony a presentation of two hammers was made to the two local contractors who have been awarded the job of construction the homes. They are Ian Claxton and Bryan Williams.
Both Perkins and Malcolm Guishard, the Minister of Lands, planted a tree at the entrance of the property.
Guishard also gave remarks at the event. He said the ceremony was a proud moment for Minister Perkins and the residents of St. Pauls and in general the people of Nevis.
He said that in the five years since Minister Perkins was re-elected he has done a marvellous job.
“Many have tried before him, but lacked the zeal, youthfulness, energy and drive to get the job done,” Guishard said.
He explained to the residents gathered for the event that the land on which the homes will be built was garnered in exchange for land in another area.
“Let me make this clear. What we have done here is exchange land for land with Mr. Hobson.
According to Guishard, government exchanged eight and a half acres of land at Jessups for the seven acres of land at Ramsbury.
He said a certified surveyor was contracted to value the land.
Guishard disclosed that Hobson usually sells his land for $5 or more per square foot while government was selling the land for a mere $3.50 per square foot.
“We worked it out and we gave him eight and a half acres and he gave us this seven acres. I think, however that we got the better end of the deal.”
Guishard further disclosed that more than 100 applications have been received for housing.
“That tells us that there is a demand for homes,” said Guishard. “So we told Perkins to go out and wherever he finds land we will construct homes, because we need to satisfy that need.”
