Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry, Fisheries, Energy and Public Utilities Hon. Gregory Bowen held consultations with residents of Marian on Tuesday, January 18, to update the community on initiatives by the Government of Grenada with respect to housing and agriculture. The consultation took place at the Marian Pre-School. "Government has set up a $5,000 house repair programme, to assist eligible home owners to buy materials to repair those homes that were damaged during the passage of Hurricane Ivan,” Minister Bowen said. This programme will benefit 1,125 families. The Minister noted that this programme is for the neediest families. Villagers were encouraged to set up a local committee to advise the Ministry of Social Development as to who in the village are the neediest. The committee was established following the meeting, comprising Pastor Phillip Chase, Mrs. Glenda Lambert and Ms. Sisneth Burke. Minister Bowen, who was accompanied by Housing Authority of Grenada Project Coordinator Ronald Straker, also referred to the Soft Loan Scheme for House Reconstruction, which offers loans of up to $40,000.00 at a three percent interest rate. Discussions also focussed on the Agricultural Emergency Rehabilitation Programme, which has subsidised farmers by paying farm workers, providing fertilizer, seeds and plants. The programme is currently under review, with consultations underway. Minister Bowen will continue the village consultations at Morne Jaloux on Thursday and Hopevale on Friday. Source: Government Information Service