Do not spoil Housing in Guyana

Jan 06, 2026 Letters

Dear Editor,

This is a timely word from President Irfaan Ali. It is that there will ‘faster land title delivery’, as according to his vow, there will be “… the acceleration of the regularization of land and distribution of titles across Guyana, noting that the relevant agencies are in the process of completing long-awaited ownership documents for several communities across the country.”

Quickly let me point out, and from experience too, that being without a ‘valid’ land title can cause and has caused significant financial and emotional distress (all because of the inability to prove ‘legal ownership, secure financing, or sell the property). Thus, a property title is a fundamental right to a personal home, and its absence really creates substantial uncertainty and risk. Editor, in recent months I was plunged into great duress, and all because of the extra-dilatory ‘I do not know what and why’ of this ‘living hell.’ I was told by the lawyer, that the document is awaiting ‘only’ the signature of the court official, whether it’s a judge or magistrate, I really do not know. But gosh, for over nine months! I know of quite a few such cases, and the repercussions are quite terrible (of this delay).

In one case, there was the inability of the owner to sell as a “cloud on title” (an issue with the ownership records) can halt any sale or transfer of the property. In my case, I just could not secure a loan/mortgage, and of course, I am in limbo still. As we know, financial institutions require ‘verified’ title documents as collateral, so without them nothing, and I am just in perpetual torture. Why? Awaiting Judge’s signature! Like if that is the only thing left, then make it mandatory for the document to be signed and handed over within say a one-month time frame. There must be a way to stop this stymieing of a person’s life and well-being. If the president so accommodates me, I can furnish him with all the details, as I need to get on with my life.

As was pointed out, the hard work was done. Something unprecedented is happening in Guyana and pure ‘silliness’ is suffusing the ‘good ting.’ Like President Ali, I too praise the Ministry of Housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for the “aggressive, hard work” to deliver land titles nationwide.” And this must not be stigmatized because of a thing like a signature. Looking at the general land scape I was shocked to learn that “… many communities, for decades, are still in want of ownership documents, with some residents facing nearly forty years of uncertainty over their titles.” Unacceptable I say!

Yes, I have also learned “… delays had been caused by a mix of administrative and legal issues, as well as disputes over ownership, boundary lines and fences etc., and yes, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is now focused on resolving these challenges so families can secure their ownership” but special measures are needed to ‘hurry-up’ the process. So, I hope that the President will personally do a follow up in a few weeks to see if what he requested is being acted on. Editor, this is the harsh reality. It is that ‘home ownership’ in North America, the haven for so many, nigh impossible. This issue is widely discussed and a growing sentiment, especially among younger generations, is that of the ‘affordability’ crisis. While not universally impossible for everyone, recent data indicates that it is increasingly out of reach for a significant portion of the population. But in Guyana, we have beaten this, so no red-tape should stand in the way.

Yours truly,
HB. Singh

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