Fourteen families in Malick, Barataria, now have more than just a roof over their heads — they can now legally call it their own.
This, after receiving deeds of ownership to their homes from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) on Thursday.
The families have been occupying housing units since the 1960s in a spot known as the ‘Malick Decanting Site’ located at 6th Avenue.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Adrian Leonce, said the deed distribution was more than just a Government milestone — it was a moment close to his heart.
“So my mom grew up in a place where they used to call the ‘Tenement Yards’ in Port of Spain. You know, there was the Lammy Yard, King’s Wharf, and Mango Rose.”
That programme, he explained, was designed to move families out of cramped, deteriorating spaces and into transitional housing — spaces like the Decanting Centre right in Malick.
“My mom was placed in 7B Malick Barataria Decanting Centre, where she grew up, and then they moved to Pitch Road. So when I say this is very dear to me, this is something personal for me.”
Minister Leonce urged the new homeowners to take pride in their space — and to give it a name that reflects that pride.
“I want the residents of the Decanting Centre to start visualising what this space, this home, is going to be for your generation, and I want you all to come up with a name. I want you to come up with a name that you are proud of and I stand here to give you the assurance that whatever name you come up with, wherever you put it, we will come in and do nice signage for you.”
Managing Director of the Housing Development Corporation, Jayselle McFarlane, said it comprises four hectares of land divided into three distinct sites.
She said it’s part of the HDC’s ongoing effort to ensure that every citizen has a secure place to call home.
“Today we are here to honour that resilience and take a momentous step to providing them with the security and peace of mind they rightly deserve; a peace of mind that comes with security of tenure. It is a testament to the Government’s commitment to social justice and equity, exercised through the agency of the HDC. By granting these deeds, we are acknowledging the rightful place of these families in society.”
Minister Leonce assured the wider community that more deeds will follow as the process continues.