Hundreds of Barbadians who purchased Government units or paid deposits many years ago, have started to receive refunds.
Minister of Housing and Lands Dr William Duguid confirmed yesterday that the funds, which were being given in cash and bonds, were made available from the end of last month.
He said he was pleased Government was in a position to rectify a wrong situation.
“These are people who would have paid for houses but never got conveyance, but would have qualified by virtue of being in them for 20 years.”
In December the minister announced that 576 tenants from 21 of Government’s 49 housing estates would be refunded to correct what he described as “unfair” act and an anomaly. He explained that some tenants got their units free of charge under the previous Democratic Labour Party administration, while the others paid towards theirs.
One of the affected homeowners, Mervin Heallis, of Bonnetts, Brittons Hill, St Michael, said he was happy to get the refund.
“I didn’t expect it but it has come at a good time when things are so hard in the economy,” said the 64-year-old, who spent just over $62 000 in purchasing the unit which he has occupied since 1997.
Heallis said he got back just over $12 000 in the refund – half paid in cash and the other in bonds.
“I want to express my gratitude to MP Dr Duguid for looking after my interest,” he said. (MB)
