The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) feels the closure of Palm Court Restaurant and Bar on Main Street will leave Central Georgetown without a lively nightspot for tourists.

THAG Executive Director Indira Anandjit told Stabroek News that there was no other service with the ambience provided by Palm Court in the area and it was bound to affect the industry.

While there may be other places of entertainment in the city, she said that a certain class of people would not visit those spots.

She said that from the tourism perspective the closure came at a time when genuine tourism arrivals had picked up in spite of the negative publicity Guyana was attracting.

Palm Court is to shut down next Wednesday with the franchise holder, Jad Rahaman, relocating his operations to Trinidad.

Last Saturday, a number of items were sold at auction while other equipment and items are being stored at another location.

The majority of customers who spoke with Stabroek News at the restaurant yesterday said they would miss it but most admitted that because of the crime situation they had not visited as often as they used to. They also admitted that the spending power was not there.

One customer said though he frequented the place he could not afford to be sentimental about its closure. If it was not feasible to remain in business in the current atmosphere then businesses had to seek greener pastures, he said.

The closure after 14 years was symptomatic of industries and businesses in general in the country.

Rahaman had told Stabroek News that many of his regular patrons had also migrated while diplomats and other visitors to the country had stopped visiting because of criminal activities.

This weekend there will be two farewell activities, one planned for this evening and another on Friday night.

This evening’s event is dubbed a `Last Lap Farewell’, with no cover charge, and will feature Indian Karaoke and tassa drumming by King’s Tassa Group. Among those competing to be the karaoke champion will be Anand Persaud, Evan Persaud, Looknauth Persaud, Ishwar Singh, Rohan Beekhoo, Laish Sankar and John Toolaram.