Pres Ali urges youth to seize housing opportunities as banks boost mortgage access
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Sunday evening urged young Guyanese to seize the unprecedented opportunities being created by the rapid economic expansion, encouraging them to pursue technical training, higher education, home ownership, and entrepreneurship as the government and the private sector continue to expand pathways to employment and wealth creation.
Speaking during an engagement with patrons at the International Building Expo 2026, being held at the National Stadium, the president interacted with young professionals, students, and other attendees.
Several youths had already applied for house lots, pursuing studies through the Government of Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, and were preparing to build their first homes.
The president said such aspirations reflected a new era of confidence among Guyana’s youth.
One young woman, who recently turned 21, said applying for a house lot was one of the first things she did after becoming eligible. She expressed readiness to begin construction as soon as she receives an allocation.
Another participant encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunities now available.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s not every day we have this much being brought right at our doorstep,” she stated, urging other young Guyanese to take advantage of programmes such as GOAL and apply early for house lots.
President Ali also highlighted the strong response from the banking sector, with commercial banks introducing more competitive mortgage products aimed at making home ownership more accessible.
Representatives from the banking sector said demand for home financing continues to rise, particularly among young Guyanese.
Demerara Bank reported that approximately 90 per cent of its home mortgage portfolio comprises customers aged 30 years and below, reflecting growing confidence among first-time homebuyers.
The bank also offered on-site mortgage approvals during the expo, allowing prospective homeowners to begin the lending process immediately.
