Hope Estate:--- The island government was able to secure ten of the 70 social homes in Hope Estate for clients residing at the Sr. Basilla Center confirmed leader of government William Marlin at a small ceremony on Thursday. In showing his appreciation to the clients who are part of the special Olympics Marlin surprised one of the clients currently living at the center will a fully furnish apartment.
The lucky recipient is Linda Richardson a young woman who has hearing and speech disabilities. Marlin said Richardson earned two silver medals when she represented St. Maarten in Shanghai and even though she is unable to speak or hear. She is currently holding three jobs to pay her own bills. Linda Richardson works at the flower shop while she sells arts and crafts that she makes while at the center.
Director of the Sr. Basilla Center said the mentors have been training 15 clients that currently living at the center to become independent citizens. He said while the clients are partially handicapped nine of them are able to care for themselves with minimal supervision. The nine clients he said are currently working at several key institutions on St. Maarten and they are expected to move into their homes by the end of the month when there is water and utility available.
Linda Richardson assisted leader of government and commissioner of housing William Marlin to cut the ribbon to enter the one bedroom apartment. Upon entering the apartment Richardson expressed her joy by making numerous gestures. On several occasions she hugged the commissioner thanking him for his kindness in providing all that she needs in her new home. Advisor to the commissioner Dorothy Lake said the furniture and decoration of the apartment was done by Irene Hodge.
