New $70M mall opens in Bartica
Stabroek News
April 18, 2004
The new $70 million WK Shopping Mall at First Avenue, Bartica is a tremendous economic boost for the community, President Bharrat Jagdeo said in declaring the structure open on Wednesday.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported that the President and the wife and daughter of proprietor Mohamed 'Tarzie' Ghanie cut the ribbon to the modern two-storey mall which has rental space for 27 businesses. Among the businesses are a supermarket, beauty salon, clothing, gift and cell phone stores.
Although the number of jobs likely to be provided by the mall is not yet known, residents are optimistic that the venture will boost economic activity, GINA reported.
In his remarks Jagdeo congratulated Ghanie for his tremendous vision, entrepreneurship and risk-taking ability. According to the President, government and the private sector need to work harder at inculcating entrepreneurial skills which are vital to the success of any business.
Ghanie said he had made the investment despite many hurdles. The idea was conceived with the community at heart and the benefits which residents can derive from it. He urged that other entrepreneurs let the investment be a challenge to them.
The proprietor moved to Bartica from Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast 23 years ago and started as a taxi driver and then owner of the Tarzie Taxi Service. He later opened the Tarzie Television Station (TTV), which is the only one operating out of Bartica, GINA said.
The WK Shopping Mall is named after the two sons of the proprietor, Walid and Khalid.
Gordon Bradford, Re-gional Chairman of Region Seven hailed the mall's prospects and noted that over the years Ghanie had shown great confidence in the Bartica community.