A new PDV Caribe headquarters in St. John’s will include a permanent refuge for vulnerable people, following Cabinet’s approval of Crown land for the project, Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant said Thursday.

The parcel is located east of the St. John’s Fire Station on Factory Road. PDV Caribe Antigua and Barbuda Ltd. has operated from rented premises for the past 21 years, Merchant said during the post-Cabinet briefing.

The purpose-built headquarters is intended to improve facilities for public service delivery, training, collaboration and income-generating activities, while providing space to assist vulnerable people.

Asked when construction would begin, Merchant said the project remains in the planning stage.

“They are in the planning phase at this time, so there are no timelines at this time,” he said.

Merchant explained that the refuge would support a small-scale effort to help homeless people. He distinguished that initiative from the separate facility being retrofitted at Seaview Farm for people with mental illnesses.

PDV Caribe’s intention, he said, is to provide an avenue for caring for homeless individuals who are not necessarily experiencing mental instability.

The organisation also administers the People’s Benefit Programme, which currently has 1,495 registered beneficiaries.

In a related decision, Cabinet approved an initiative to improve the health, hygiene and dignity of homeless and vulnerable people in and around St. John’s.

A donor has committed to providing a portable shower unit. PDV Caribe will collaborate with the soup kitchen and the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross to facilitate access to showers and clothing, while providing logistical support and hygiene supplies.

Merchant said the initiative reflects the need to exercise humanity toward people living in vulnerable circumstances.

No construction start date or opening date for the headquarters and refuge was announced.

Source: Antigua News Room New PDV Caribe Headquarters to Include Refuge for Vulnerable People.