The sod was turned on Monday for the construction of the 45-room Lakeside International luxury hotel at Anna Regina, in Region Two.
The project was conceptualized by two overseas-based Guyanese, Dr Dave Sawh and his cousin Rishi Chinapen. Dr Sawh is a general and family physician practising in London, United Kingdom, for the past 20 years while Rishi Chinapen is an aspiring real estate developer based in Queens, New York in the United States. The investors are both excited about the project which they say evokes nostalgic memories.
Attendees at the sod turning included, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government, Anand Persaud; Head of G-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop; the hotel’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dave Sawh; Mayor of Anna Regina, Rajendra Prabhulall; Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva; and President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Suean Seewnarayan.
Giving an overview of the project, Sawh said that the hotel will boast five floors and will include a lobby area, office, and conference/banquet hall. Three floors will consist of 45 rooms and one floor will accommodate private functions and conferences. There will also be a bar and a restaurant at the hotel.
The investors, in an effort to offer an ecotourism product line to complement the hotel, have also acquired a plot of land at Lima Sands. This will be utilized to establish a mini resort with features such as benabs, and outdoor facilities for cooking, fishing, bird watching, swimming, and camping.
The construction promises to provide direct and indirect employment opportunities for the Region Two community.
Delivering the feature address at the sod-turning ceremony, Minister Persaud noted that Essequibo is home to pristine and stunning lakes, agri-tourism experiences, nature, and adventure tourism, and that the investment was made at an opportune time.
“Essequibo Coast is a prioritized destination and will be a major hub for tourism activities and investments which has already realized other tourism investments recently…this is a significant boost”, he said.
Persaud also assured the investors of government’s support for the project through G-Invest.
Region Two chairperson, De Silva, commended the investors for having confidence in the Region Two economy. She echoed that Region Two is booming in the tourism sector and was happy that the investors saw it fit to establish a world-class facility there.
President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Seewnarayan also echoed that the investment was made at an opportune time and commended the investors’ efforts.
The sod turning was blessed with prayers by representatives of the three main religions.
