GEORGETOWN, Guyana - Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged Caribbean countries to embrace innovation and modern technology so as to accelerate development and improve public service delivery.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressing the opening of the the four-day International Building Expo 2026 on Thursday nigh in Guyana..“This is the era of getting things done at the speed of thought. We must move with speed and intent to ensure that we are not left behind by the changes in technology and that we don’t miss out on the opportunities created,” Holness told the opening of the four-day International Building Expo 2026 on Thursday night.
The Expo is being held under the theme “Guyana at 60: Building Strong Foundations for a Sustainable Future,” and showcases the country’s progress in housing, infrastructure and construction coinciding with Guyana celebration of its 60th Independence Anniversary.
Holness, who is ending a two-day official visit here on Friday, told the ceremony at the Guyana National Stadium, which was attended by President Irfaan Ali, said that advances in artificial intelligence, construction technologies and modern materials are reshaping the pace at which governments can deliver projects and services to citizens.
He praised the organisers of the Expo for bringing together stakeholders from across the housing and construction sectors and expressing confidence that Guyana’s continued growth and development will serve as an example for countries across the Caribbean.
“Guyana is moving at pace and is growing at an incredibly fast pace and it is admirable and we should all seek to adapt the pace at which Guyana is growing,” Holness said, adding
“I must say Guyana has changed quite a bit, the development has only been fantastic”.
He said Guyana’s expansion, particularly in housing and infrastructure, demonstrates “what can be achieved when land, infrastructure, finance and as I have seen displayed here political will is brought together”.
Holness said that Guyana’s housing programme is more than just the construction of homes, noting the focus on building communities through supporting infrastructure and that such a development model provides valuable lessons for other Caribbean countries, particularly as nations seek to expand opportunities for their citizens.
“Your housing programme has involved not just houses, but serviced land, roads, drainage, water, electricity and above all, from what I have seen and heard, you are investing in building communities,” he said.
The Jamaican prime minister said that his country is currently working to address a housing deficit of approximately 150,000 housing solutions.
He said while financing remains available, Jamaica’s primary challenge lies in overcoming supply side constraints, including access to contractors, skilled labour and efficient approval systems.
“I believe there are opportunities for Jamaica and Guyana to collaborate in the housing development sphere, particularly as it relates to labour and the deployment of new technologies in construction,” he said, expressing gratitude to President Ali and the people of Guyana for the support extended to Jamaica following the devastating Category Five hurricane that impacted sections of the island.
He recalled President Ali’s visit to the affected communities and Guyana’s swift commitment to provide building materials and deploy members of the Guyana Defence Force to assist with reconstruction efforts.
Meanwhile, Housing Minister Collin Croal said this year’s expo has grown significantly, featuring more than 300 exhibitors, including more international companies.
“This year we have seen an increase of over 25 new booths being reserved compared to last year,” he said, noting that participation is expected from Costa Rica, Guam, Mexico, Japan, United Kingdom and others.
The expo, Croal said has evolved into the country’s premier platform for the housing and construction sector, bringing together developers, contractors, engineers, architects, suppliers, financial institutions, regulators and consumers to explore the latest trends and innovations.
“It has become a marketplace for ideas from some of the finest minds within the sector’s ecosystem,” Croal said, noting that stakeholders are also discussing affordability, sustainability, climate resilience, financing, urban planning and new construction technologies.
He said the expo’s continued growth reflects Guyana’s rapid economic expansion.
“Our country is expanding at an unprecedented pace, driven by broad economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and increased investor confidence,” he said.
