Dominica’s Housing Minister Melissa Poponne-Skerrit has publicly countered claims of neglect in opposition-held constituencies, revealing that approximately $2 million was specifically allocated to the Salisbury Constituency for housing assistance. The minister’s statements came during her year-end press conference on Monday, directly addressing recent parliamentary remarks by Salisbury’s Parliamentary Representative Jesma Paul-Victor.
Paul-Victor had previously asserted that her constituency remained excluded from the government’s national housing project despite substantial parliamentary allocations to the Housing Ministry. She highlighted that eight years after Hurricane Maria, numerous families in the Coulibistrie area continue residing in deteriorating structures and temporary arrangements originally intended as short-term solutions.
Minister Poponne-Skerrit firmly dismissed these allegations, emphasizing that political representation does not determine housing distribution. “Housing is a right and it is for everyone across Dominica,” she stated. “We have made significant interventions in terms of financing—I believe close to $2 million was allocated to that constituency and distributed through the local village council.”
The minister detailed that fewer than five households still require assistance, which will be addressed in 2026. She explained that many constituents originally slated for relocation instead opted to purchase government land at reduced prices to build their own homes. Additional support included financial assistance for home construction and repairs, with some residents choosing relocation or migration options.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between government and opposition representatives regarding resource distribution in post-hurricane recovery efforts, particularly in rural constituencies still grappling with housing challenges.