A resident of St Michael, Barbados, is confronting a dire housing situation as Christmas approaches, living without basic utilities in a severely deteriorated wooden structure. Terry Austin, 58, has endured more than twenty years in a home that now lacks electricity, running water, and waterproof integrity, leaving him with no dry place to sleep.
During recent flood conditions on the island, Austin revealed the harsh realities of his daily existence at his Pounder’s Gap residence. The two-bedroom wooden house exhibits catastrophic structural failure: the roof has collapsed significantly, flooring is largely absent, and rainwater inundates the interior during storms. Austin described adopting desperate measures for rest, including sleeping in corners or wearing raincoats for protection from moisture.
The property’s decline began following Hurricane Tomas and has progressively worsened through subsequent years. Despite appeals to multiple government administrations—both Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and Barbados Labour Party (BLP)—Austin claims he has received no substantive assistance. Working as a painter and landscaper, he lacks sufficient income for repairs and lives alone, with his adult children also facing financial constraints that prevent them from offering support.
The situation has profoundly impacted Austin’s mental health, particularly due to chronic sleep deprivation. He expressed willingness to accept even minimal shelter, stating that any secure structure would represent an improvement over his current circumstances.
In response to inquiries, recently appointed Housing Minister Chris Gibbs, who represents St Michael West, confirmed official awareness of Austin’s predicament. The Urban Development Commission is now actively engaged in seeking a housing solution for the resident.
