$86K Assistance For Purvis Park Rest Home

Good Morning,

Meeting the needs of seniors continues to be a central focus of the Government and in particular addressing the housing needs of seniors. This is a challenge which we intend to address using our resources where appropriate to assist those seniors most in need.

We will remain steadfast in our commitment to assist our seniors and will ensure their needs are not neglected.

In our ongoing efforts to meet the housing needs of Bermuda’s seniors, the Ministry of Public Works has stepped forward to provide a grant to assist the Bermuda Housing Trust’s meet its mandate which is to enhance the living conditions of seniors.

The funding will be used to carry out repairs to the various properties under the BHT remit. These repairs will range from painting, window and door repairs to plumbing, for example.

In doing so, we wish to ensure that seniors can benefit from improved living standards and continue to live independently through the provision of enhanced and safe accommodations.

It is fitting that we are here today at the Purvis Rest Home, as it was through the efforts of Mr. W.S. Purvis who realized the need for affordable housing for Bermuda’s senior citizens.

Mr. Purvis generously financed the construction of the Trust’s first residential complex known as the Elizabeth Hills Park and he later bequeathed further funding for the development of both Purvis Park and Heydon Trust.

Ladies and gentlemen, I can assure you that the Government wishes to emulate the vision of Mr. Purvis who recognized that affordable housing for seniors should remain a national priority for this sector of the community and the country.

While the Trust has been able to borrow funding for the development of new housing and for the upgrading of their existing inventory by way of raising funds through events and/or donations in the past, with so many charities competing for a shrinking pool of funds, the Trust has found it very difficult in recent years to attract the support it once had.

To this end, they are experiencing some financial challenges with respect to the repair and upkeep of their existing inventory.

Recognizing that the Bermuda Housing Trust faced financial challenges in meeting its commitments, the Ministry of Public Works has supported the BHT in their efforts to ensure that the housing needs of seniors can continue to be met.

We believe this assistance is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to assist those most vulnerable in society but also a reflection of our values as a community that recognizes the important contribution that seniors have made in paving the foundation for our country.

Please allow me to conclude my remarks by commending the management and staff of the Bermuda Housing Trust in fulfilling their mandate to support the housing needs of seniors and praise our continued partnership with the BHT to work together to assist our much valued seniors.

Thank you.

Good morning,

I am simply delighted to be here to join Minister Michael Weeks, Mr. Ronald Simons, Chairman of the Bermuda Housing Trust, and the residents of the Purvis Park Seniors Residence to highlight another demonstration of this Government’s commitment to our seniors.

Ladies and gentlemen, it takes a very noble heart to put the needs and care of others before one’s own.

And that is precisely the mantra of the Bermuda Housing Trust.

We recognise that meeting the demands and needs of our senior’s population requires partnerships from all involved and the Purvis Park Seniors Residence stands out as a good example in providing the types of services that our seniors need.

So today in support of the BHT, this Government is very pleased to donate some much needed funds in the amount of $86,000 to the BHT so that they can enact the necessary upgrades and improvements to this housing facility.

Ladies and gentlemen, since 1998 – through the Ministry of Health and other key Ministries, such as the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Youth, Families and Sports, and the Ministry of Transport – this Government has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for our seniors – this very important segment of our population.

And it’s days like today that I am keen to remind the community that we are solving people’s problems, we are standing up for Bermudians and yes, we are indeed making sure and steady progress in delivering on our commitment to the residents of Bermuda.

To Mr. Ronald Simons I must take this opportunity to publicly commend you and the BHT for your selfless efforts in assisting our seniors at all of your residences. By providing them with accommodations and other services you’re making life a little easier for them in their Golden Years.

As I close, I am reminded of this quote: “The oldest trees often bear the sweetest fruit”.

To the residents of Purvis Park, our seniors, you have a warmth and understanding that comes from experience and wisdom gained over the years.

You have dedicated your lives to making a contribution to our Island home.

You are the lifeblood of our community and as a Government, we will continue to develop new and innovative ways to meet your needs, by working hard to preserve and improve your quality of life.

I applaud today’s accomplishment and wish all of you continued prosperity.

Thank You!

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