Essequibo experiencing rapid economic, infrastructure growth – Croal

Essequibo is currently at a pivotal point in its development trajectory, experiencing a notable uptick not only in business activity but also in infrastructure expansion and resource development, according to Housing Minister Collin Croal. The Minister underscored the growing economic momentum of Essequibo during his featured address at the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) Business Mix held on Saturday evening where he emphasised that the private sector plays a critical role in ensuring that this progress translates into sustained, broad-based economic growth. Reflecting on the Government’s strategic direction, Croal highlighted that over the past five years, deliberate policy decisions were made to decentralise development. This approach, he explained, ensures that regions like Essequibo are not treated as peripheral, but rather as integral contributors to Guyana’s overall growth and prosperity.

He pointed out that these policies are now yielding tangible results. Targeted investments in key sectors including infrastructure, housing, agriculture and services are supporting this transformation. Croal further detailed ongoing efforts within the housing sector, noting the accelerated allocation of house lots, the regularisation of informal settlements, and the expansion of existing housing schemes. Importantly, he stressed that development goes beyond land allocation, with significant focus placed on ensuring that communities are equipped with essential infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, access to water and other utilities.

The Business Mix also saw participation from several key stakeholders, including Regional Executive Officer (REO) Susanah Saywack; ECCI Executive Member Tekaram Singh; ECCI President Ganesh Gaigobin; Senior Director of Business at Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), John Edghill; and other members of the business community. The engagement served as a platform for strengthening collaboration between the Government and the private sector, as Essequibo continues its transformation into a dynamic hub of economic activity.