Vreed-en-Hoop to Benefit from $900M Secondary School

June 18, 2025 –

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, officially turned the sod today for the construction of the new Vreed-En-Hoop Secondary School at Crane, West Coast Demerara, marking a major step forward in the government’s commitment to expanding and improving secondary education across Guyana.

The state-of-the-art institution will be built as a fully reinforced concrete structure, featuring a distinctive circular layout with transparent roof sheeting.

Designed to accommodate more than 500 students, the facility aims to support both academic and technical education needs in a modern, student-friendly environment.

The school will be equipped with over 20 classrooms, a fully outfitted science center housing physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories, and a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center that includes industrial and home economics labs. Additional amenities include a multi-purpose hall, a canteen and cafeteria, an international library or document center, and extensive sanitary facilities for both students and staff.

Safety and accessibility have been key priorities in the design, which includes fire escape routes, alarms, extinguishers, fire-retardant panels, and limited use of timber in favour of metal ceilings.

Outdoor recreational spaces will also be developed to support sports like basketball and cricket, further enhancing student development.

The school, which carries a total project cost of $979,620,900 GYD, will be built in four lots, with contracts awarded through a public competitive bidding process in line with Guyana’s Procurement Act:

• Lot One: Administrative areas, library, and classrooms – K&S General Construction ($323,500,000)

• Lot Two: Science and mechanical labs, technology drawing labs, and classrooms – D&S Construction ($279,800,000)

• Lot Three: External works – Ele’s Trading and Hardware ($269,110,500)

• Lot Four: Furnishing – PS23 Construction ($107,210,400)

The construction timeline is set at nine months, with several components being executed simultaneously to ensure timely completion.

A nine-month defects liability period will follow, allowing for any necessary refinements. GR Engineering has been appointed as the project consultant and will oversee all technical and supervisory responsibilities.

This project forms part of the Ministry of Education’s wider initiative to improve access to quality secondary education, particularly in growing communities along the coast. It reflects the government’s broader vision of ensuring every child in Guyana learns in a safe, modern, and well-resourced learning environment.