By Val Matthias. Updated 7:44 a.m., Friday, November 13, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The rebuilding of homes in Union Island is progressing, with some new houses reportedly being completed within five to six weeks. However, getting displaced residents to return is proving to be another challenge for the Government.
Minister of Housing, Land Management, Urban Development and Informal Settlement Upgrading, Andrew John, says the difficulty is no longer simply the availability of homes, but the impact displacement has had on people’s livelihoods and family circumstances.
Speaking on NBC Radio on Wednesday, November 11, John said the Government had initially believed that many residents remained on mainland St Vincent because their homes were not ready. However, he said the situation has become more complicated, even as reconstruction advances.
“The problem we are having now is really getting persons back into their homes because contrary to what we think a lot of the time is that people are here on mainland because they don’t have the homes available, but now that the homes are available we are seeing that some persons are a bit reluctant to return because the livelihood was really affected, and so it’s not just a matter of just returning onto the island,” the Minister explained.
John said some displaced residents have since found employment on mainland St Vincent, while others have children attending schools there, making the decision to return more difficult.
He acknowledged that relocating to Union Island involves more than simply moving into a repaired or newly constructed house, as families must also consider their employment and children’s education.
The Minister credited investor Ian Wace, who recently became involved in the reconstruction programme, with helping to accelerate the work.
He said numerous roofs have been repaired, roads restored and new homes constructed, with some houses being completed within five to six weeks.
Despite the progress, John is appealing to residents whose homes are ready to begin making arrangements to return.
“We are imploring people to get back there because if you don’t get back and get back quickly, it’s even more difficult to restart, you know, to get your life going again,” he said.
He also appealed directly to residents who have been informed that their homes are completed and available.
The Minister said the Government is prepared to work with them to have electricity reconnected and water supplies restored, including assisting those who depend on water tanks.
He said residents should make an effort to return and work alongside the authorities to restore these essential services.
However, while the Government is reporting progress in rebuilding houses and infrastructure, the Minister’s comments highlight a wider challenge facing Union Island’s recovery: getting displaced families back into a position where they can resume their livelihoods and family lives.
The Minister did not provide figures on how many homes have been completed, how many households have been notified that their properties are ready, or how many displaced residents have returned.
END
About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com
