Dear Editor,
About 17:35 hrs on Friday, November 14, 2008, myself and a male friend visited the Banks DIH Idiho outlet in Brickdam with the intention of purchasing a snack. Before I could make the order my friend had an urgent call of nature, but to our surprise we found both the male and female washrooms locked tight, and there was a sign which read, “Our facilities are for persons who purchase food and beverages here.”
I am fortunate to have travelled extensively, even to Brisbane, Australia, where I have frequented many international standard restaurants, and I have never seen such nonsense, especially in a public place, which all Banks DIH outlets are supposed to be.
Let us presume we were shareholders of this great company and needed to use the washroom without making a purchase, would we have to flash some sort of ID card to do so? It makes me wonder if Guyana will forever exist in Third World mode. We are always behind the times.
I would like the senior management of Banks DIH Ltd to investigate and rectify the situation and release the locks for the benefit of all.
Yours faithfully,
W. Abrams
Editor’s note
We sent a copy of this letter to Mr Troy Peters, Communications Manager of Banks DIH Limited for any comments he might have wished to make and received the following response:
“Many thanks for the recently faxed letter received from W. Abrams. Notwithstanding any of the sentiments expressed by Ms Abrams, there is reason for the action taken in respect of our washroom facilities. We cannot comment on the situation existing in Brisbane but the decision taken by us is practised in many North American and European facilities.
“Over the years our washroom facilities have been vandalized, abused and used for reasons other than the intended purpose. Our washroom attendants have been physically and verbally abused and vilified in an effort to discharge their duties of maintaining a clean and sanitary facility. As a measure of control, the doors were locked. Customers requiring to use the facility can make a request at the counter. We have also had to face up to the reality of having the washroom doors kicked in and broken by some who consider the use of same as a right.
“We can recommend should Ms Abrams require the use of washroom facilities on any other occasion, she can ask at the counter. This is a courtesy we extend to all bona fide customers.”
To Charlie Pinks.
Thanks for your comments and feedback. We can make Guyana a better place. If our infrastructure is being destroyed. then, make outside toilets available.
I am sure W. Abrams visited and dine at Banks DIH Idiho before leaving Guyana half way around the world. But we Guyanese dream during our travel to other countries and think that we would come back and meet Guyana changed over night.
For inforation I have noticed those doors at Idiho and Demico under locks and keys since in the 80’s. I never ask why and how long they were like that (locked up) but I simply went to the counter ask for the keys when ever I was there as a customer: and I did same whenever I am in the country.
Now there is an idea for creating employment, and promote tourism.
Remember the days when we had public washrooms along
Ave of the Republic or was that Camp St.; these were managed by
a staff. Oops, that was in the days of the Colonial rule.
Would be nice to see them again though.
It cost businesses to maintain a public facility….water, staff, supplies, repairs etc.
you pay for it in the cost of your purchases.
Opgy, I am not originally from GT. I will leave the people from GT to save themselves. You see I am a Berbician, and very proud of it. We use out houses , Latrine for the common man. It work very well. Dig some holes in Gt so that visitors can use them. You want people to visit your homeland. Then make it with all facilities.
Unfortunately the actions of a few limit the freedoms and comforts of many. You should not place blame on Banks DIH but rather on the few individuals whose conduct and true selfish manner limit our freedoms and quality of life.
If the restrooms are filthy then the hygiene in the restaurant needs to be under careful investigation.