(Commonwealth_ The government of Guyana continues to prioritize expanding the nation’s housing infrastructure as a foundation for a sustainable future. This commitment is evident in the remarkable transformation that Guyanese, both at home and abroad, are witnessing. Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, emphasized this during the opening ceremony of the International Building Expo 2024 at the National Stadium in Providence. The event, which has become a hallmark in the country’s calendar, attracts significant local and international attention, with participants showcasing innovations in the housing and construction sectors.
Minister Rodrigues highlighted that the government’s investments in the housing sector are aimed at empowering Guyanese through homeownership, thereby preparing them to participate and thrive in the nation’s bright future. She underscored the government’s mission to unite the country, ensuring that prosperity reaches every household. “We are not the do-nothing type; we believe in results. We are builders, and we are building a Guyana that is so rich with opportunities that every little Guyanese boy or girl whether on the coast or in the hinterland, from a rich family or a poor family, no matter the color of their skin or the texture of their hair can dream their biggest dream and know that it can become a reality,” Minister Rodrigues asserted.
The International Building Expo 2024 serves as a vital platform for networking and collaboration among local and foreign businesses. It is a hub for innovative ideas and the expansion of existing ventures. Approximately 30 companies from countries such as Canada, the United States, India, and Indonesia, among others, are participating, highlighting the event’s international appeal. However, the dominance of Guyanese companies is particularly notable, with over 400 local enterprises present, showcasing sustainable and environmentally friendly concepts aimed at improving homeownership.
Minister Rodrigues noted that the Expo is not just an exhibition but a springboard for local entrepreneurs to launch and expand their businesses. “The International Building Expo has earned a reputation as a premier platform for entrepreneurs to launch new businesses, expand existing ones, and showcase their innovations. It offers unmatched opportunities to network among industries and professionals,” she said.
Over the past four years, Guyana has undergone significant transformation, with modern infrastructure being built to cater to a more sustainable future. This progress is attributed to a government that remains focused on the people and is committed to empowering Guyanese and improving their living standards. The 2024 Building Expo, themed “Building on the Foundation of Sustainability and Unity,” embodies this vision. The event is set to conclude on Sunday, leaving a lasting impact on the participants and the nation as a whole.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Komal Singh, echoed these sentiments, describing the Expo as more than just an exhibition. “This Expo is a gateway to collaboration, innovation, and growth. It provides an ideal platform for businesses to showcase their products and services, forge strategic alliances, and contribute to the growing transformation of Guyana’s infrastructure landscape,” Singh commented. He urged participants to fully leverage the opportunities presented at the Expo to network, innovate, and collaborate. “Let us continue to build on the solid foundation laid by our government and private sector, and drive this country forward into a new era of prosperity and development,” he stressed.
President Ali also pointed out the positive impact of these developments on housing loans, which have increased by almost 20 percent, or $56 billion. He noted that these housing loans have the lowest default rate in the hemisphere, a testament to the success of the government’s policies. “These are the transformations that have taken place across every single region, sometimes unnoticed, but they are of immense value,” the President remarked.
