No exclusive housing development for foreigners – Pres. Ali warns

President Irfaan Ali has warned against private developers using lands, particularly those acquired from the state, to build exclusive housing schemes or for the development of gated communities for foreigners.

In the clearest possible terms, the President has said that no development on such lands must be exclusively for foreigners.

Dr. Ali said he has given clear instructions that these lands, although being privately developed, should be made available to all Guyanese.

The President’s statements come days after Dutch shipbuilder – SBM Offshore – made a public request to lease a gated community and recreational facility for its employees.

SBM reportedly issued the notice on behalf of its subsidiary, Guyana Deep Water Operations Inc. (GDO) which is also the operator of the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Once the successful company is selected, it will enter a lease agreement with the Guyanese developer for the provision of a gated community that includes residential houses, apartments, and a recreational facility.

The request has already been disapproved publicly by a wide cross-section of Guyanese who believe it will amount to exclusive housing developments for foreigners.

But according to the Head of State, there will be no such exclusive development, on lands acquired from the state.

Although no such lands were given by the government for such exclusive private developments, the President has warned of the government’s disapproval.

Specifically, as reported in sections of the media, SBM said it is seeking residential houses, one and two-bedroom apartments for single persons/families along with a recreational facility. It said the location of gated community must have direct road access, free of obstacles and appropriate surface for parking.

It must include a gym, swimming pool, bar, tennis court, soccer field, squash court and any other amenities relevant to such a facility.

SBM said it also wants a gymnasium with multi-purpose flooring, a fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment, change rooms/locker rooms with showers, fitness/aerobics studios, outdoor basketball court, squash court, tennis, and soccer field and a running/walking track.