Single mom receives keys to her own home after 35 years of renting

Rosanna Gobin receives the instument of ownership from Minister Croal

After 35 years of paying rent, this Christmas marked a defining moment for single mother Rosanna Gobin. Standing outside her new home, keys in hand, the long wait for stability and permanence finally came to an end. For Ms. Gobin, the house represents more than shelter—it signals relief from decades of financial strain and the promise of a more secure future.

“This is the best Christmas gift I have received in 35 years,” she said, reflecting on a journey marked by setbacks and persistence. Ms. Gobin recalled being denied bank financing in the past, an experience that could have ended her hopes of homeownership. Instead, she continued to persevere. “When you put your trust in God, anything is possible. I kept praying for a rent- and debt-free house, and today it is a reality,” she said.

Ms. Gobin was one of 18 families from the East Bank and West Bank of Demerara who received homes through the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme. The initiative is being implemented through a partnership between the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and targets vulnerable households that would otherwise struggle to access formal housing.

According to officials, 243 of the 283 homes planned under the programme have already been completed, providing improved living conditions for hundreds of residents. Beyond the houses themselves, the initiative includes supporting infrastructure such as roads, drainage networks, street lighting, and community facilities.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Water, Bishram Kuppen, said the handover of keys represents the culmination of years of planning and coordination. While the ceremony may appear simple, he noted that it reflects a broader effort focused on long-term community development rather than individual structures. “It is about improving lives and ensuring families have the environment they need to thrive,” he said.

Representing the IDB, Financial Specialist Lucas Hoepel described the event as an important milestone in the partnership. He explained that the programme places equal emphasis on housing and community well-being, with access to essential services and shared spaces seen as central to sustainable urban development.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, highlighted the role of effective implementation in translating financial support into tangible outcomes. She acknowledged the contributions of engineers, technical teams, and community development officials whose work often goes unseen but remains critical to the programme’s success. She also underscored the importance of coordination across agencies in delivering the homes.

Minister Benn paid tribute to Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal for his leadership in advancing the initiative, describing it as a collaborative effort involving government, international partners, and beneficiaries themselves. She noted that the core homes provided serve as a foundation upon which families can build over time.

A notable feature of the latest group of beneficiaries is that 16 of the 18 households are led by women. Minister Benn said this reflects the determination of mothers striving to improve conditions for their children, often in the face of economic hardship. She reminded recipients that their sacrifices do not go unnoticed, particularly by the next generation.

Residents were also encouraged to take responsibility for nurturing their new community, maintaining their surroundings, and living in harmony with one another. Strong communities, Minister Benn said, are built not only through housing policy but through collective care and responsibility.