THE time seems ripe for the development of an exclusive residential complex for retirees in Guyana.
It could be tailored to meet the needs of Guyanese retirees abroad who want to get away from the cold countries and return home in a climate more suitable to them.
Such a complex may also be suitable for middle income Guyanese who live alone and who will value the company of others and the extras that can come with such an establishment.
Such complexes are common in the more developed countries but there are many Guyanese who have done well overseas, have retired and who will prefer to come home to better enjoy life in an environment with which they will be more familiar.
The government and some groups have facilities for senior citizens but the idea we are floating for consideration by the administration and the private sector is for retirees who can afford to pay for these facilities.
The government should set aside a suitable plot in a suburban area or more developed rural community, like on the East Coast Demerara, under a flexible arrangement by allocating land to a developer who can set up a complex, comprising maybe of little houses.
The facilities could include a clinic available to all in the complex and full time nurses available to those who can afford such a service.
Other amenities could be:
** A restaurant/café available in the neighbourhood offering good cuisine (healthy and high quality) and reasonable prices
** Therapy facilities – some could be free but membership required for special facilities
** A mini golf course (membership for those who can afford)
** Weekly events (games, competitions, etc – free to all)
** A swimming pool – free to all
** Entertainment facilities (pay for some events, and offerings like dance classes)
** Yoga classes for a fee
The average cost per person to rent a home and live in the area will be up to the developer with inputs from the government to keep it reasonable and attractive for investors and potential clients.
High security will of course have to be a top priority and the complex could be gated.
Those investing in such a venture are ensured good returns on their investment with the many Guyanese abroad who regularly indicate an interest in returning here but who are looking for good facilities comparable to those that they have been accustomed to in the developed countries.
The land is available here; the climate is excellent; roads and other infrastructure have also vastly improved in recent years; there is a regular pool of trained nurses – in short there is a lot going for a complex for retirees here and it’s an opportunity we think should be seized.
If developed, it could also be expanded and packaged for the overseas market for non-Guyanese.
