The Guyana Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) has firmly rejected claims circulating on social media suggesting that Venezuelan nationals have been granted access to housing in the new development at Little and Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
Setting the record straight, the ministry stated: “All allottees within the Diamond Housing Scheme are Guyanese.”
According to the official release, “not a single house lot or turnkey unit in the area has been allocated to non-Guyanese.” The Ministry emphasized that land allocation is “strictly reserved for individuals who are legally recognized as Guyanese in accordance with the laws of Guyana.”
The Diamond Housing Scheme was established to relocate former squatters who had previously occupied river dam areas in Herstelling, Covent Garden, Prospect, Farm, Diamond, Grove, and Friendship. In total, 291 squatter households were identified, and 228 families have since been relocated to house lots or government-constructed homes.
While the ministry acknowledged that “37 Venezuelans were found squatting in the area,” it clarified that “they have been deemed ineligible under the housing programme, as it serves only Guyanese.”
These relocated households now reside near the four-lane Heroes Highway—a location the ministry describes as “a prime area poised for growth and development,” with long-term socio-economic benefits and increased property values.
Addressing other rumours, the ministry confirmed that “only government-approved turnkey homes were constructed by the Ministry,” all priced at $5.2 million, contrary to reports of $7 million. Wooden homes seen in the area were built independently by land recipients who were given house lots only.
Regarding infrastructure, the ministry reported that the first phase of development has been completed and additional upgrades will soon begin. Tenders for the work, valued at $780 million, were awarded on June 5, 2025, with work set to commence by June 15 and wrap up by July 31, 2025. The contracts include roadworks and drainage and were issued in compliance with national procurement standards.
In conclusion, the ministry called on the public to be cautious about false narratives:
“The ministry urges the public to refrain from sharing sensational claims that only serve to mislead citizens and discredit [the] national housing programme and ongoing development efforts.”
