In a robust defense during Monday’s Budget Debate, Social Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner showcased the remarkable achievements of the Homes for the Indigent Programme (HAPI), revealing the initiative has successfully constructed 101 homes through exclusively volunteer labor. The minister directly addressed criticisms regarding political favoritism in construction contracts, emphasizing that HAPI operates entirely outside contractor involvement.
The program’s workforce comprises an unexpected coalition of prison inmates, Defense Force personnel, and community volunteers, creating what Turner described as a truly national effort. Even schoolchildren have contributed through painting and material handling during recent building sessions. Turner highlighted a current construction project in St. Luke’s where community members, youth, and uniformed personnel work collaboratively.
Addressing parliamentary critics, Turner asserted that continued attacks on HAPI ignore overwhelming evidence of its community-driven nature. He framed the program as embodying national identity and shared responsibility rather than government patronage, emphasizing its significance particularly when public resources remain constrained.
With Christmas approaching, HAPI crews are accelerating construction to ensure several families can occupy new homes before the holidays. Turner specifically acknowledged corrections system prisoners and Defense Force members for intensifying efforts to prevent needy families from waiting until the new year.
The minister concluded by urging parliamentary support for expanding the program, championing HAPI as a model for community-led social upliftment that effectively serves poor and elderly populations through collective volunteer action.