The National Housing and Community Development Trust has hired a new manager, Leader of Government Business Kurt Tibbetts announced at the Cabinet press briefing on Friday.
Maxine Gibson took over the top post of the NHCDT on 3 January after being selected by the board of directors, Mr. Tibbetts.
NHCDT Chairman Leonard Ebanks said Ms Gibson was selected from three candidates for the post. Mr. Ebanks also said he had a lot of confidence in Ms Gibson.
‘We were quite happy to select an individual of her calibre and who was well-qualified,’ Mr. Ebanks said. ‘She’s the girl for the job.’
Prior to her new post, Ms Gibson served as the senior credit and marketing officer with the Cayman Islands Development Bank.
She also served as the assistant manager of the Currency Board, the precursor to the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.
During the Cabinet press briefing, Mr. Tibbetts said Ms Gibson has getting the NHDCT office in order.
The previous manager of the NHCDT, Roger Bodden, was dismissed on 14 September 2005, and other staff members had to keep the office going until a replacement manager could be hired.
Ms Gibson has had her hands full since starting her new job.
‘I’ve been working seven days a week,’ she said. ‘I have only taken one day off since I started.’
Some of her initial duties entail reviewing every NHCDT file.
‘It will take some time to get through them all,’ she said.
Still, Ms Gibson is excited about her new job.
‘It’s very challenging, but also very enjoyable,’ she said.
Discussing the future direction of the NHCDT, Mr. Tibbetts said there is a series of meetings underway between the NHCDT and local contractors to determine the local construction industry’s interest and ability to build affordable housing. So far, the meetings have gone well, he said.
Mr. Tibbetts said it is hoped to have the series of meetings completed within six weeks.
In the future, the NHCDT will take a different approach.
‘It is not going to be the Government’s policy to have large number of homes in any one location again,’ Mr. Tibbetts said, adding that there is currently a search underway for suitable properties in various locations to build single-family homes for the NHCDT.
Mr. Tibbetts also said efforts to build affordable housing on Cayman Brac had commenced.
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