02/09/2026
In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) met on Monday with Hon. Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Hon. Minister Vanessa Benn to discuss GMSA's continued participation in the Single Mothers' Homestead Project at Heidy Park, Yarrowkabra, along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway. In attendance from GMSA were Mr. Rafeek Khan - President of GMSA, Ms. Juneil Burnett - Business Development Intern and Executive Board members Ms. Malisa Nokta and Mr. Chris Persaud, along with Ms. Josephine Tapp - President of the Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana.
The Homestead Project, launched by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is constructing 500 homes for single-parent mothers. The project has been advancing well, with at least 75 homes completed so far — manufactured locally by DuraVilla Homes using locally produced timber.
Each home includes a shade house, giving homeowners the opportunity to generate supplemental income through agriculture. This project reflects a unique approach to sustainable community development — empowering single mothers to secure a home while building a small business of their own.
GMSA will be collaborating with the Women's Chamber of Commerce on a workshop hosted by CHPA, equipping homeowners with the skills needed to successfully manage and operate a shade house project, in keeping with building strong, self-sufficient communities. This will allow families in the programme to not only establish their homes, but also use their land to grow food and support their livelihoods.
These discussions form part of GMSA's continued efforts, in collaboration with the government, to strengthen and advance the project, explore its full potential, and create greater opportunities for Guyanese families to build sustainable livelihoods. Through the GMSA, a business model is also being developed for agro-processing companies to serve as off-takers for produce such as peppers, shallot, dragon fruit, and other high-value crops.