Sunshine Girl Wilson thankful for new home
Published:Thursday | September 7, 2023 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
NATIONAL NETBALLER Latanya Wilson was left lost for words after she received the keys to a brand-new home, following an elaborate handover ceremony at the Ministry of Sports yesterday.
“I am happy that at 22 years old I am getting a lease to own my own place. I don’t even have the words to express myself. It is just an amazing feeling, and I am super happy for all the sponsors and Government and ministry for coming on board to assist me,” she stated.
Wilson, who enjoyed a successful season in Australia with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and helped the Sunshine Girls to the bronze medal at the Netball World Cup in South Africa recently, returned to a home destroyed by fire in August.
The National Housing Trust (NHT) placed the 22-year-old and her family on a special lease and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, said the outpouring of support for Latanya was a sign that people care.
“You are here because we care. We are sorry for what happened, but we are here to do what we can to make your lives easier and better,” she said prior to handing over the keys and documents to the new house.
She also praised the NHT for its speedy response to the dilemma. She said the NHT and the Government considered the initiative very important, and the prime minister, Andrew Holness, insisted on tangible support for the defender and her family.
“The prime minister is the minister responsible for the National Housing Trust, and he wanted us to ensure we expressed our concern in a tangible way.
“I must use the opportunity to thank those who to have stretched out a helping hand to Latanya and her family. We all rallied to the cause and ensured the family is okay.”
He noted that other families were also affected and that the Government would be assisting them to get back on their feet as well.
“Other families were affected. The other families will not be left out. They will receive assistance,” she stated.
She added: “Latanya is one of our star players, and there is some urgency in getting her settled because she is going off to greater heights very soon.”
NHT’s St Catherine branch manager, Janet Hartley-Millwood, welcomed Wilson to the NHT family and to home ownership
“We are going to ensure that Latanya has a level of hand holding, and we will do all we can to help you through this period of transition. Rest assured that NHT is right there with you,” she commented.
Netball Jamaica president Tricia Robinson said losing a house is a traumatic experience and thanked all those on board for coming to her rescue
“Losing your home for a youngster is heart-wrenching and I have to say thank you for all the support around Latanya, who, from day one, has embraced her family to ensure that they felt comfortable and today, a more comfortable space (has been provided) for her to be in. So on behalf of the board of Netball Jamaica, a very special thank you,” she said.