Over the past years, many businesses were established or expanded. Records at the Deeds Registry of the High Court have revealed that more than 3,500 new businesses have started operations for this year.

These businesses were directed in many areas including garment, food, lumber, hardware, poultry, auto sales, electrical appliances and cosmetology.

One of the most recent ventures is the Sharon's Building located on the corner of King and Charlotte Streets.

This $50M structure was built by local businessman Michael Pertab. It functions as a mall and comprises ten stores, namely, Ashok's Variety Store, New Bombay's Fashion, Jay's Variety Store, Daswany's, Alicia's, Lallbeharry Poultry Supplies, Top Quality Chinese Restaurant, Century Trading Photo Studio, Modern Hair Fashion and Barber Shop, and Winston International. The other sections are rented for bond space.

Mr. Pertab said that he was prompted to erect such a building after his daughter's store Alicia's, which was in existence for 20 years, was burnt in the Regent Street fire on April 9, 2001.

"We wanted another location to re-open Alicia's, so since this was my land (rented previously to Buddy's Auto Sales), I decided to construct my own building. But I was encouraged by my neighbours who were also burnt out to include them in this structure, so I just built a large building to accommodate people," Pertab explained.

This family also has another branch store, Sharon's Boutique in the Stabroek Market.

The 43-year-old businessman said he became involved in business since he was 15.

This investment, which was officially opened about a month ago, has boosted the employment industry.

Proprietor of Ashok's Variety Store, Mrs Nisha Santani, an Indian National has two other stores in the city and her stores provide employment to some 22 people.

Meanwhile, Kamlesh Khanti of New Bombay Fashion recently opened his second store in Sharon's building and now offers employment to some 13 people. (Government Information Agency).