Housing and You…All things local and GuyExpo

Oct 05, 2014 News

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By Leonard Gildarie
I have always pushed for going local. We have so many local materials that are readily available or being made right here in Guyana. Of course, we have to import cement, but almost everything else pertaining to building a home is available locally. Roofing materials, sand, stone, paint, concrete blocks – almost everything is being manufactured locally.
With many families getting help from relatives abroad, there has been a significant movement to embrace mostly the North American style, with the Florida model homes becoming popular. And with this has come the demand for materials not readily available in Guyana.
The hardware suppliers have been cashing in big time from these developments, much to the chagrin of patriotic-minded Guyanese like myself.
This past week, I again received complaints about the fact that Guyana is importing pine wood for construction. There have been lots of criticisms, especially from sawmillers and lumber dealers, that the importation of pine is creating an unfair playing field. But I have not heard of complaints from others, like the consumers.

I would like to see incentives that will push locals to introduce more options for home owners and contractors alike. Things like standard measurements for lumber that will not see losses because a customer wants a 17-ft length from a 19-ft piece. The authorities have been promising this, but I have not yet heard of any movements to make this a reality.
Which brings me to GuyExpo. The trade show is supposed to showcase Guyana’s best, in terms what it produces. I keep hoping that it will include more of the businesses which participate in the other noteworthy event…the Housing Exposition.
I visited the Sophia site on Friday and was pleasantly surprised at what we have to offer in Guyana. This, of course, does not mean that more cannot be done. We have a lot to offer and it is shows like these that present businesses with opportunities that will not only increase the visibility of products, but will provide an excellent learning opportunity for the thousands of visitors.
Almost all the booths I visited, I asked whether local materials were used. A resounding yes came from the majority of them.
I saw one of my friends, Rustom Seegopaul, introducing a soap made from coffee grounds. Another one was made from lemongrass. Its packaging and smell was exotic. But perhaps for me, the highlight of this year’s GuyExpo remained the household furnishings.
Guy-America was quite impressive, I must admit. Its kitchen cabinets, islands, and outdoor furniture remained some of the more superb pieces of work. Kiln-dried, finished to perfection, the pieces were big attractions.

Further down, there was an entire line of nibbi furniture. I am not sure how far the love of this local craft goes in Guyana. But I have seen many Caribbean hotels with them and believe me, they are prized. There is something that is very tropical about nibbi that also spells quality.
Of course, at least one paint company was there and one of its new products is the glossy paint.
I would also recommend that visitors head over to the Guyana Forestry Commission booth. It has quite a few examples from local businesses that it is showcasing. The possibilities of wood can be explored there in-depth. Again, there is nothing like education. Get informed.
The craft organizations are also offering a wide variety of items that could make great ideas for home décor. I think we spend thousands of dollars buying stuff from stores to dress the home, but forget what we have here.
A big problem is that some of these local companies or individuals have been struggling to market their products.
I fell in love with two booths on Friday. Both were offerings pieces of art. One was managed by former students of the Burrowes School of Art, while the other had beautiful paintings and slippers.
I don’t know much about valuing artwork, but I do know that we have some very talented persons in this land of ours. The paintings from the former students hover around the $20,000 mark.
I also saw some wooden, hard-carved lamps that would make for excellent adornments in the home. So too are the plants that are being offered.
A few of the hardware giants like Gafoors are also present.
I am heading back today, because I saw some garden lamps that would work well with in the little patch that I am thinking of planting. In addition to that, the atmosphere at Sophia is something that I most welcome. We are starving for quality entertainment. There is an opportunity for us here.
I have diverted a little from our usual fare on housing do’s and don’ts. But I thought that it would be well worth it.
Please do enjoy the weekend and continue to drop those emails to gildarie@yahoo.com or call 225-8491 or 6821256 during weekdays for your comments and/or tips.

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