The Tribune

By Jade Russell

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of Housing and Urban Renewal Keith Bell has dismissed concerns about stricter vetting for government housing applicants after a past recipient was charged over murder conspiracy allegations. He said the Davis administration believes in “second chances”.

Mr Bell described home ownership as a fundamental right, stressing that shelter is a necessity. He said officials would not discriminate against applicants who qualify.

“This is for home ownership,” he told reporters at a key presentation at the Renaissance subdivision yesterday. “Therefore, if you qualify for a home in terms of your financial stability, of you being able to qualify, of your having the down payment then you deserve to get a home.”

He added: “This is a government of second opportunities and second chances. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone or forever hold his peace.”

Mr Bell’s comments came in response to questions about Shanta Taylor, a former prison officer who was remanded along with two men for allegedly plotting the murder of Elvardo Thompson. Mr Thompson was gunned down in his truck in front of Ms Taylor’s Pincrest home on July 20, 2024.

Ms Taylor, who was 18 when she received keys to a government home in Pinecrest in May 2022, is currently on bail over conspiracy to commit murder charges.