Premier Ewart Brown handed keys over to the first home renovated as part of Government's "key" initiative to upgrade derelict and vacant properties.

Also on hand at the key-handover ceremony was Minister of Housing Senator Burch and Stanley Powell, the family representative for the Two-Way Lane, Pembroke property.

Yesterday Premier Brown said the renovation of this building was proof of the Government's commitment to providing homes for Bermudians.

He said: "Ladies and gentlemen, this Government has been relentless in delivering on its mandate to provide housing for those in need. We are unwavering in our commitment to the people of Bermuda in this regard.

"I'm pleased to say that in the coming weeks you will see more significant and tangible steps being taken to address this vexing issue of providing affordable housing for Bermudians."

Yesterday Minister Burch gave an update on affordable homes, saying he would be meeting with lottery winners of the Harbourview Village, Southside on Thursday night to give them latest developments.

And an announcement on the Perimeter Lane, Pembroke rent-geared-to-income initiative, which will help house 38 families, will come this month.

While the Minister said Loughlands, Paget property offering affordable homes on a phased-in basis should have an announcement on the fourth phase this month too.

At the unveiling yesterday the Premier said the Powell homestead renovation — which produced a four bedroom, one and half bathroom cottage — was the follow-through of an announcement in the 2006 Throne Speech to identify vacant and derelict properties to develop.

He said that a Task Force, which included representatives from the Ministry of Works and Engineering, Housing and the Attorney General's Chambers was then formed to aid in this process. The Premier also praised the work of Edward Pereira of Pereira Engineering and Construction, who came to Government to fund construction work to ensure employment and who renovated the Powell house.

He added: "The initiative has been a lengthy and sometimes painful journey. Our experience has been that families would much rather squabble over a non revenue producing asset rather than rehabilitate it and share the proceeds. As such the house behind me is the first house to benefit from this initiative."

Yesterday Mr. Powell said he wanted to thank the Government, Mr. Pereira, Bermuda Housing Corporation and others involved for their help.

He added: "On behalf of my family I would like to thank the Government of Bermuda and the Bermuda Housing Corporation. Thank you, thank you, very much."