…over 500 exhibitors showcase housing, green tech, construction, financing solutions
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday declared that “the foundations of our nation have never been stronger” as he officially opened the annual International Building Expo at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, highlighting what he described as Guyana’s transformation in housing, infrastructure, economic development and national growth. 
The four-day event brings together more than 500 exhibitors, including developers, banks, material suppliers, prefabricated housing companies, green technology providers, architects and engineers from across the region and beyond. The opening ceremony also featured remarks from Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, who is in Guyana on a state visit; Minister of Housing and Water Colin Croal; Minister within the Ministry Vanessa Benn; Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Dr Martin Pertab; and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Gerry Gouveia Jnr.
President Ali said the confidence of Guyanese in the housing sector has grown significantly, pointing to the increase in housing applications since his Government returned to office in 2020. 
“What took place between 2020 and now is nothing short of extraordinary because of the confidence in people in knowing that they will get their house lots. Confidence in knowing that there is a Government prioritising housing, that is investing in housing and that is delivering in housing,” he said.
The Head of State pointed out that applications in the housing system have increased by 60,000, bringing the total number of applications to 81,000.
“That is not accidental; it is because of the confidence in the system and everyone wanting to be part of the growth story: owning their own homes,” he noted.
The President reminded us that the country has come a far away from the days when families were forced to share small living spaces to a period where young Guyanese are confidently aspiring to own homes. Addressing outstanding land titles, President Ali said the Government has processed thousands of titles and is committed to clearing the remaining backlog.
“We speak about 60 years of independence. There was a time when 10 families lived in the same house, sharing two bedrooms. Today your 21-year-old is dreaming of owning their own home because of a system that supports that type of thinking,” the President noted.
“Between 2020 and 2026 we were able to process 30,000 titles. We have outstanding titles to process at just over 20,000. I can assure you that what we took five years to process, we will not take a single year because we are going to back the system to clear the backlog of all titles that need to be processed.”
New housing development strategy
The President also announced that a new housing development strategy will be unveiled in the coming weeks aimed at addressing vulnerable groups and expanding housing opportunities. He said the strategy will focus on groups including persons living with disabilities, single parents and those facing extreme vulnerability.
“We are designing a system that will allow you to have a home in which you can live in dignity,” the President declared.
He also took the opportunity to share about the massive growth in property values, infrastructure investment and the expansion of the real estate sector that has been taking place in Guyana over the past few years.
He recounted the story of a young woman who purchased land in Le Ressouvenir for $2.5 million and later discovered the property had increased significantly in value.
“That was not accidental; that is because of the investment we are putting with the land, that is because of the roads, the drainage, the water, the light; that is because of an entire ecosystem that is working on creating value,” he noted.
“Our story is not an oil story”
According to the Head of State, the construction sector has generated major economic benefits, noting increases in lending, industrial development and construction materials production.
He said for every dollar spent on construction, the economy receives a multiplier effect.
Turning to mortgage financing, President Ali highlighted reductions in interest rates and increased borrowing capacity by financial institutions. He pointed to changes at the New Building Society, commercial banks and mortgage providers, stating that access to homeownership has expanded. The President said home ownership represents more than an economic transaction.
“That is a Government that cares about you owning your own home. We view home ownership as not just an economic transaction but as a statement of belonging when a family in Guyana owns their home, when their name is on that title, deed or transport, when their children grow up with a backyard and a bedroom of their own, when they are building equity rather than paying rent, something changes… I will say to every Guyanese family, ‘You have a Government that is your partner.’ A Government that is investing alongside you,” he said.
President Ali also used the occasion to speak about Guyana’s wider development, saying the country’s transformation extends beyond oil revenues. He said Guyana’s development is being supported by stronger institutions, improved infrastructure and a population with growing aspirations.
“Our story is not an oil story. Our story is about the non-Oil economy, the story of diversification. The story of sustainability, the story of leadership, the story of investment, the story of world class healthcare, world class education and world class Infrastructure. That is the story of Guyana,” he said.
“Foundations of our nation”
“I declare without fear of contradiction that we are not just constructing buildings, roads, bridges, aerodromes, we are building a nation, and the foundations of our nations have never been stronger.”
During his remarks, Minister Croal said the expo demonstrates the importance of housing to national development. He said housing represents dignity, security and opportunity for families.
“Housing is about dignity. It’s about security. It’s about opportunity. It’s about the community and the family, and it’s likely the single most important investment a family will ever make for their future,” he said.
“Today that vision continues to guide our house agenda, building on the success of the past and responding to growing demand for affordable housing. The Government has committed in its manifesto to the construction of over 40,000 new homes over these five years.”
Minister Benn said Guyana is experiencing a historic period of development. She said the Government’s approach goes beyond providing land.
“Tonight Guyana stands at the most exciting moment in our history. These transformative times are second only to the achievement of our nation’s independence 60 years ago,” she said, adding that
“Our Government recognises that housing is much more than a piece of land. It is about the kind of life we want our citizens and successive generations to experience.”
CH&PA CEO, Dr Martin Pertab said Guyana’s housing sector has undergone significant expansion, with thousands of house lots allocated and major infrastructure investments completed. He said the Government is also moving toward innovative housing solutions.
“As we move towards our target of building over 42,000 houses over the next five years, innovation is not optional. It will be central,” he said.
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