From left: Directorate of Society and Welfare Head Carol Jack-Roosberg, Gregory Melford of the Directorate, Alida Francis of the Statia Reconstruction Project, Sharin Windefelde-Redan, Sidonie Redan, Elizabeth Jones of Community Home Care, CTC-Architecture owner Ricardo “Thachie” Fortin, Shankita Sinnette-Gibbs of Community Home Care, and Redan’s niece.
Meylisio Spanner of CTC-Architecture presents the keys to Sidonie Redan.
ST. EUSTATIUS--A mother of three on St. Eustatius is heading into the new year with a new three-bedroom house. This is thanks to the collaboration of several entities including the Statia Government and other benefactors.
Sidonie Redan was overjoyed to receive the key to her home and is eager to settle in with her children. Upon seeing the completed home, Redan was emotional and speechless. She hugged those responsible for getting her to this milestone. Her children jumped and screamed with excitement when they saw their bedrooms for the first time.
Government gave US $15,800 at the start of the housing project. Some $15,000 in total was donated by CTC Architecture, Amspec, and from the private funds of contractor Ricardo “Thachie” Fortin, owner of CTC Architecture. Some of the third-party funds were put to furnishing the house and appliances.
Fortin was approached by Elizabeth Jones and Shankita Sinnette-Gibbs of Community Home Care about remodelling an unfinished lower-level of an existing house into a two-bedroom home for Redan.
Upon seeing the site, Fortin saw how expensive the excavation of the area could turnout and suggested to build above ground. He drafted a new design that later became the current dwelling.
Fortin met with Rudolph “Rudy” Courtar of the Statia Reconstruction Project to get the go-ahead for the plans that now called for a three-bedroom instead of a two-bedroom house. The additional bedroom allows for the children – two boys and a girl – to have more comfort and space, said Fortin.
Alida Francis of the Reconstruction Project encouraged Redan to never be afraid to ask for help if needed. She commended Fortin and team as well as Home Care.
Jones said it was “truly remarkable” what Fortin and his team have accomplished for the family.
