single mother and policewoman, Natasha Vyphuis, shares joy of home ownership
IN a significant stride toward addressing housing needs in Guyana, Minister Within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, announced that over 3,800 houses have been constructed in the last four years, with 2,100 of these homes completed and handed over to families. This ambitious initiative aims to cater to all income categories, ensuring that every Guyanese has the opportunity to achieve home ownership.
Among the notable developments is Cummings Lodge, an area that has transformed remarkably in just five years. Minister Rodrigues highlighted that 458 houses have already been built in this thriving community, emphasising the positive impact this project has had on the lives of residents. “Families have already occupied their new homes, and I am pleased to see them enjoying the benefits of home ownership,” she said.
The housing programme, dubbed the “dream housing drive,” is designed to include various income brackets, specifically targeting low-income, middle-income, and young professionals. This comprehensive approach reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity in addressing the housing crisis. “No citizen should be left out of this initiative,” Minister Rodrigues asserted, commending the efforts of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government and President Irfaan Ali for their focus on empowering the people of Guyana.
One of the beneficiaries of this housing initiative, Natasha Vyphuis, a dedicated member of the Guyana Police Force and a single mother of two, expressed her gratitude for finally owning her own home. “This is my first home; it’s the first home that I have ever owned in my life,” Vyphuis shared, reflecting on her journey from living with her mother to becoming an independent homeowner. “We are here now, and we are enjoying the life that God has provided for us.”
With 15 years of service in the police force, Vyphuis noted the importance of the housing programme, particularly for those in her profession. “I have seen police officers before me retire and have nowhere to go,” she explained. “Now, it’s good that the government is making it possible for everybody to have
their own home.”
The transformative housing programme not only provides shelter but also empowers ordinary Guyanese, allowing them to build a future for themselves and their families.
As the government continues to prioritise home ownership, stories like Vyphuis’ serve as a testament to the positive change and hope fostered by this initiative. With ongoing efforts to expand housing availability, Guyana is paving the way for a brighter future, one home at a time.
