SMDF Managing Director Keith Franca presents Junior Cannegieter the keys to his new home, in the presence of Dutch Representative in Philipsburg Chris Johnson and SMDF technical advisor Joseph Dollison.
CAY BAY–St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) recently handed over of the keys of a new concrete home to long-time Cay Bay resident Junior Cannegieter (62).
Cannegieter lost his entire home and belongings during the passing of Hurricane Irma in September last year and was forced to leave the only environment he had known for years for temporary shelter elsewhere.
Cannegieter moved into the shelter at the St. Maarten Festival Village in the weeks immediately after the hurricane and later the Little League Stadium before entering the transitional facility for Irma-displaced residents in Sucker Garden earlier this year.
It was during his time at the transitional facility that SMDF became aware of Cannegieter’s situation. On admitting Cannegieter to the transitional facility, the staff of Dr. J. Foundation contacted SMDF, as Cannegieter met the requirements to be included in its Senior Relief Project.
SMDF Managing Director Keith Franca said Dr. J. Foundation social workers Dorian Neijs and Cerasela Sommersall had visited SMDF to seek assistance for Cannegieter and acted as liaisons throughout the construction process. “Partnerships and open relationships are the key to identifying and supporting St. Maarten’s most vulnerable,” said Franca.
When receiving the keys for his new home, Cannegieter thanked everyone involved. The senior, who worked for many years in the hospitality industry, including at the former Mullet Bay Resort, was elated as he opened the door to his new home. He is the senior project’s second beneficiary from the transitional facility.
Franca thanked to Dr. Judith Arndell and the staff of Dr. J. Foundation for their efforts, particularly with Cannegieter and fellow home-recipient Ernest Roumou. Franca also thanked the Dutch Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations, represented by Chris Johnson, for the strong working relationship.
Johnson, who was present at the handing-over ceremony, said the project was an example of how collaboration could benefit the people of St. Maarten. With members of Cannegieter’s family on hand to witness the handover, Johnson said it was a pleasure to be able to support Cannegieter to ensure that he could rest easily without worry for his safety. “It is a pleasure to be able to contribute to the rebuilding of a home and a life for a son of the soil,” Johnson said.
SMDF is nearing the completion of its senior relief project. With 36 more construction and repair projects to finalise, it will be transitioning to small repair works to make the homes of pre-identified seniors more accessible.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/80061-smdf-builds-home-for-senior-in-shelter
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