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Modular Build Guyana denies allegations CEO fled with customers’ money

A photo posted by Housing Minister Collin Croal in 2024 during his visit with President Irfaan Ali to Modular Builds Guyana Inc.    

Modular Build Guyana, which has listed its address as Lot A23 Plantation Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara, has rejected allegations that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has fled Guyana with money belonging to members of the public, describing the claims as “completely false” and “misinformation.”

The company, in a statement, yesterday said the claims were false and maintained that it remains fully operational and continues to conduct business and projects in Guyana.“ Modular Build Guyana categorically rejects the claims made in the publication,” the company said, adding that it takes the allegations seriously because statements of that nature could cause concern and damage the reputation of the company, its employees and those who have placed their trust in it.

The company said it is taking legal action in response to a news item in yesterday’s  Kaieteur News  and dissemination of such information, and that the matter will be addressed through the appropriate legal channels. 

Modular Build Guyana also sought to reassure its customers, partners and employees that it remains active in Guyana and committed to its stated objective of providing affordable housing while maintaining standards for quality, durability and modern construction.

The company said its ambitions extend beyond Guyana, noting that it continues to pursue opportunities and develop projects in several locations across the Caribbean, with the aim of making affordable, high-quality housing more accessible. “We remain focused on what we do best: building homes, creating opportunities, and delivering quality,” the company said.

On May 20, 2024, Housing Minister Collin Croal had posted on his Facebook page that he accompanied President Irfaan Ali on a tour of the pre-fabricated homes being constructed by Modular Builds Guyana Inc. in Leonora, Region Three. 

“These homes, measuring approximately 20×30 feet, feature two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen area, and a bathroom. They boast stainless steel security doors, and fire-resistant insulation. The company’s first home was constructed in just seven days,” Croal shared. 

“The tour was led by Modular Builds Guyana Inc.’s Director of Projects and Construction, Mr. Hardeep Singh, and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. William Grant. Inspection was also done for the construction of nearby two-bedroom concrete homes under the Ministry’s programme. The housing drive in the area is providing employment opportunities for scores of persons,” the minister continued. 

Just recently, persons who were allegedly duped by contractor Omar Malik shared their experiences with Kiskadee Watch. Malik, said to be a foreign national who had been entrusted with over $100m from the families, suddenly disappeared leaving about 23 young professional homeowners hanging

Seeing Malik at a building expo had inspired confidence in these individuals as they believed that the process was entirely legit. 

Even as the Housing Ministry has initiated steps to locate Malik, Minister within the Ministry of Housing Vanessa Benn had said the onus is essentially on home builders to conduct necessary background checks when deciding which contractor to hire, even as they may be associated with the ministry at the building expos.

Kiskadee Watch had asked Benn if any measures were taken to tighten the system for the 2026 building expo so as to prevent a recurrence of what happened in the case of Malik. She responded that the expos usually feature all kinds of companies offering their services.

“We cannot tell you, if you have a house that you’re building, whom you should select. Just like if you’re going to buy a car or trying to get any other product or service, you have to do the necessary background checks as best as you can,” she said, adding, “Unfortunately this has occurred; unfortunately, there are people who are unscrupulous. We are very unhappy that this has happened to persons.”

A number of the persons who handed over money are now in difficult situations, having to continue paying their mortgages while continuing to rent. 

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