Former APNU+AFC government minister and Shadow Minister of Public Works Annette Ferguson is demanding answers from the government over the continued delay in completing the 12-storey government office complex at Haags Bosch, East Bank Demerara, questioning how billions of dollars have been spent while the project remains unfinished.
Ferguson, in an update to Kiskadee Watch on Friday at the site, recalled how the project was initially estimated to cost $15.6 billion and was expected to be completed in 2025, but remains far from completion. She said approximately $8.7 billion had been approved for the project up to December 21, 2025, while a further $1.1 billion was, to her understanding, allocated in the 2026 budget.
“That gives you a total sum from 2022 to 2026, let us say, probably $9.8 billion. Again, look what we have for $9.8 billion,” Ferguson said, pointing to the unfinished structures, which was initially awarded to Trinidadian firm Caribbean Green Building Inc. This company, she noted, was also involved in the construction of the Sheraton Hotel. “That project has been completed while this project here, this government building, is lagging behind,” she observed.
The last completion date for the project was August 2026.
Ferguson is now questioning whether Caribbean Green Building Inc. remains the contractor for the government complex, after observing what appeared to be Chinese workers carrying out construction at the site.
The government had previously attributed delays to the fabrication of steel and framing materials overseas, with Colombia and Turkey among the countries identified as locations where components were being manufactured.
Ferguson again called on Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill to explain whether the original contract with Caribbean Green Building Inc. has been terminated, whether new contractors have been engaged, and what arrangements are now in place for the completion of the project. She also wants the government to disclose whether any money paid to the original contractor has been recovered and, if the company failed to fulfil its obligations, whether legal action will be pursued. “What the public needs to know, taxpayers need to know, what are the new arrangements between Public Works and if they have engaged new contractors.”
Ferguson further questioned the background and local presence of Caribbean Green Building Inc., saying she had previously raised concerns about the company’s operations and ownership. “We don’t know much about who are the principals of Caribbean Green Building, Inc. All this I asked before, and I would still like to know,” she said.
In June 2025, Ferguson had pointed out how allocations for the project had risen from $2.6 billion in 2022 to $8.6 billion by February 2025, while there was little visible progress at the site.
The project has also faced questions over the suitability of the Haags Bosch site, which is located on or near a former landfill.
Ferguson had also questioned whether an Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted before the location was selected, raising concerns about the area’s suitability for accommodating thousands of government employees.
Edghill had previously defended the project and said the necessary preliminary works had been completed, including landfilling, geotechnical assessments and site preparation. He had also said tonnes of sand were brought to the site, boreholes were completed and the location had been mobilised for construction, while revised structural designs were awaiting approval from supervisory consultants before the superstructure could proceed.
In response to environmental concerns, Edghill had pointed to other developments in the area, including a hotel, and argued that the zone had been deemed suitable for commercial development.
The project was subsequently revised to an estimated cost of $15.8 billion, with an expected completion date of August 2026. The planned development consists of four towers on approximately 13 acres, with parking and other amenities, and is expected to accommodate more than 6,000 public servants.
With August 2026 now underway, Ferguson is questioning whether the latest completion target will be met. “What is the expected time of completion for this project? What are the new contractual arrangements between the ministry and that of the new contractors that I’m seeing out here?” she asked.
She is also demanding that the government disclose the percentage of work completed as of August 21, 2026. “This is crucial information that we, the Guyanese people, must know because it is $15.6 billion of our monies that are being used to fund this project,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson warned that continued delays could push completion well beyond the current projected deadline and into another election cycle. “2027, 2028, if possible, 2030,” she said. “The next election cycle will come and meet us.”
She accused the government of failing to provide sufficient transparency on the project and urged Edghill to publicly account for its status, expenditure and contractual arrangements.“I am calling on Minister Edghill to come clean,” Ferguson said. “Something is amiss, and I would like Minister Edghill to clear the air because I have my own suspicions.”
Kiskadee Watch contacted Edghill on Friday for a response but he referred this publication to the Ministry of Local Government. Minister Priya Manickchand did not respond to a request for comment.
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