Dear Editor,
My overarching statement is that “The state of a nation’s housing sector provides a tangible indicator of how effectively a Government is managing resources, addressing social challenges, and planning for the future.” That is a universal truth, and I add to this, that according to numerous studies and research projects, a strong link exists between access to good, stable housing and reduced crime rates.
I am pleased then that “Over 110 new housing areas (were) established, (with some) 60 per cent complete…” This came from Housing Minister Collin Croal, whose exact words were “… over the past five years, the Government has commenced development in more than 110 new housing areas across the country, with approximately 60 per cent of them already completed.” This kind of development is not only salubrious, but augurs well for the country, especially in the light of ‘good governance’, and ‘crime alleviation’, as I mentioned earlier.
Editor, I think that this is unprecedented, that is, “In five years, we (People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government) commenced over 110 new housing areas across all regions. We have not completed all of them in terms of infrastructure – some are ongoing – but we’ve completed about 60 per cent.” Readers can follow the details in the dailies and can even traverse various areas, once seemingly abandoned, that have now become populated with homes, all symptomatic of organised villages, forming various parts of a developing country.
What I find strange is that many are turning a blind eye to this housing phenomenon, that is worthy of another contextual examination.
I speak here in terms of the average cost of owning a home in Ontario. This is like so prohibitive that people think generationally when it comes to owning a home. And why?
This is comprised of a significant upfront cost, with ongoing monthly expenses averaging around $1,400 to over $2,000 for a mortgage payment, property taxes, and utilities, plus additional costs for insurance and maintenance. In fact, as of September 2025, the average home price in the province was $828,896, a figure heavily influenced by the Greater Toronto Area’s average price of $1,059,377. And I am talking Canadian dollars. I go across to the US, and the average home value in New York, NY is around $806,834, albeit recent median sale prices vary by source and time, with some data showing the median sale price in September 2025 at $875,000. Exorbitant!
The contrast is that housing affordability in Guyana is addressed through Government initiatives like the Home Construction Assistance Programme, the allocation of subsidised house lots and constructed homes, and collaborations with the private sector.
It is by utilising these Government programmes and planning finances effectively, that so many Guyanese can significantly improve their ability to own a home.
Lest I sound like a lone voice, I remind readers that Guyana’s housing programme has been commended by at least one prominent Caribbean leader. I refer to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who in January 2023, publicly expressed his admiration for Guyana’s affordable housing programme. After personally visiting one of the housing development sites, he was very impressed with the cost and value of the low-income concrete units being constructed by the Guyanese Government.
Specifically, Dr Gonsalves noted that the prices for the units, which include the land and a finished house, were “fantastic value for money” and better than those in his own country. He also highlighted the clear “heavy Government subsidy” that makes the homes accessible to citizens. His Government subsequently decided to purchase 15 modular homes from a local Guyanese manufacturer as part of St Vincent’s own rebuilding efforts.