THE future of Guyana  is being looked forward to now with great anticipation and indeed positive energy, all of which  will help in transforming  Guyana into a country  that would  boast high quality standards and magnify the architectural infrastructure  that we, as Guyanese,  will be proud of. These sentiments were expressed by Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, as he reflected on the resounding success and impact of the recently concluded, second annual International Building Expo, staged at the National Stadium from July 29-31.
“The International Building Expo 2011 has ignited the interest in the building and construction sector by providing access to information, new technologies, business opportunities and partnerships, and has definitely bridged the gap between businesses, suppliers, consumers and every stakeholder in the sector,” he explained.
He noted that major projects currently underway including the Amaila Falls Hydropower project, four-lane highways, the modern airport, deep water harbour, oil exploration, and the Marriott Hotel, among many others, would definitely have a transformational affect on Guyana’s development.
As to the importance of the Expo to the successful implementation of these initiatives, Ali said, “The Building Expo therefore has a vital role in setting the foundation and providing the framework that would no doubt facilitate these and many more developments in the future.”
Building Expo 2011 closed with a bang as over 20,000 participants crowded the exhibition site on Sunday and joined with the exhibitors in calling for “one more night”.
It is estimated that over 40, 000 persons would have benefitted from the staging of the International Building Expo 2011, and for the first two nights a record breaking 25, 000 participants crowded the Stadium to view the exhibits, all concentrated on highlighting products and services associated with the building and construction sector.
The final night of the event was no exception, as  thousands poured in as the gates opened at 17:00hrs to look, for the final time, at the 135 exhibitions , including the various model homes which generated the most interest.
Minister Ali expressed his profound gratitude to all those persons who made the exposition even more successful than envisaged this year.
“Thanks to all the corporate sponsors, the exhibitors and the people for coming out and supporting this event… this even definitely ignited the interest in the building and construction sector,” he stated.
Ali pointed out that once again the event, in its second year, has been a resounding success, made possible through strong collaboration among sponsors, exhibitors, the private sector agencies and most importantly, the participants who continued to support the venture.
The much anticipated event was celebrated under the theme, Bridging the Gap-Transforming Guyana’, and saw   105 booths on display, including 15 companies from overseas.
Housing opportunities
In addition to the plethora of information and opportunities generated by the event, the Ministry of Housing and Water also took advantage of the platform to host the second ‘One Stop Shop’ exercise for the allocation of  a further 400 lots in Herstelling,  on the East Bank of Demerara.
Minister Ali explained, “Over the last three years, we were also able to allocate two tranches of house lots on the East Bank of Demerara, with more than 400 being allotted for Herstelling at the International Building Expo; we have delivered on yet another promise.”