–Housing Ministry distributes over 2,100 certificates of title, allocates 1,000 house lots, issues more than $17M in steel-cement subsidy vouchers

THE Ministry of Housing has announced that this year’s International Building Expo exceeded expectations, attracting more than 50,000 visitors while delivering a range of housing services through its “Dream Realised” initiative at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Providing a summary of the June 25-28 expo, Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, declared the expo a success, stating, “We’ve had at least over 50,000 persons passing through,” while crediting the achievement to the collective efforts of government agencies, private sector partners, volunteers, exhibitors and ministry staff.
Croal said one of the ministry’s major accomplishments during the expo was making available “over 2,100 certificated titles,” noting that “at least over 50% of those were uplifted” by beneficiaries.
The certificates of title were prepared for residents of Plantation Vriesland, Laurentia-Catherina, Plantation Leonora West, Good Hope and Plantation Lusignan. Persons who were unable to uplift their documents during the event have been encouraged to do so at the ministry’s central office or the relevant regional office.
The minister also highlighted the ministry’s continued land allocation programme, revealing that “we’ve allocated just over 1,000 lots on the East Coast of Demerara.”
He added that as additional lands become available, “we certainly will go back into our system and pull the pending applicants.”
Additionally, Minister Croal stated, “over 700 persons… turned up to sign for their Agreement of Sale” for properties in Blocks A and B of Vive La Force and De Kinderen on the West Coast of Demerara.
Those who did not complete the process during the expo have been advised to visit the Region Three housing office to finalise the required documentation.
The Dream Realised initiative also saw the distribution of more than 70 steel and cement subsidy vouchers to qualified beneficiaries in Region Three. According to the minister, over $17 million worth of vouchers was distributed under the programme to assist persons constructing their homes.
Croal also pointed to the continued growth of the International Building Expo, noting that there were over 350 exhibitors.
The event featured six model homes, two constructed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and four by private developers, along with a Small Business Tent, food court, children’s play area and heavy equipment zone.
He further acknowledged the contribution of the Small Business Bureau and the exhibitors who participated in the Small Business Tent, which offered entrepreneurs an opportunity to market their products and services free of charge.
This year’s expo also marked the return of the Building Expo seminars after a hiatus. Over two days, more than 15 presentations were delivered on topics including sustainable urban planning and development, climate resilience in construction, emerging technologies, smart housing solutions, banking services, and the government’s ongoing collaboration with the United Kingdom-based King’s Foundation.
Reflecting on the staging of the event, Croal first acknowledged Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, for her contribution to the successful execution of the expo.
He also recognised the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public Works, Guyana Power and Light, state and private media houses, more than 50 volunteers, staff of the Ministry of Housing and the CHPA, exhibitors and corporate sponsors for their roles in making the event a success.
SMOOTH EXECUTION
He also recognised the support of several private companies for providing materials, services and sponsorship that contributed to the smooth execution of the expo.
Croal also highlighted the role of the expo in connecting the public with government services and private sector opportunities under one roof.
He said the event allowed prospective homeowners, contractors, suppliers and investors to engage directly with housing officials, developers and financial institutions, while providing a platform for businesses to showcase the latest products and innovations in the construction industry.
Croal further commended Andrew Tyndall, Director of National Events at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for coordinating the cultural programme and acknowledged the local performers and artists who entertained patrons throughout the event.
Describing the overall outcome as a success, the minister said that apart from “one hiccup, one incident,” the event was conducted without any major disruptions.
The minister noted that the annual expo has grown into one of the country’s premier housing and construction exhibitions, bringing together stakeholders from across the sector to promote investment, innovation and collaboration. He said the participation of hundreds of exhibitors demonstrated the confidence that both local and international businesses continue to have in Guyana’s rapidly expanding housing market.
“We want to thank everyone who played their part in making International Building Expo 2026 a success,” Minister Croal concluded.