Buddy's Hotel to sport new façade in coming week
… Foreign nationals on one-year contract
Kaieteur News
January 13, 2007
Buddy's International Hotel is to sport a new façade by next week.
Unique landscaping at the entrance, which will feature an enormous water fountain along with a variety of plants is expected to be in place, according to popular businessman Omprakash Shivraj, proprietor of the 259-room luxury facility, located approximately three and a half miles (6km) south of the capital city Georgetown, at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara.
A massive pool at the rear of the structure further enhances a thoroughly impressive layout.
Set to formally open on February 14 (Valentine's Day), Shivraj promises an occasion that will etch its mark in Guyana 's history. Keen on not divulging the particulars, the owner hinted that local entertainers would have an opportunity to showcase Guyana 's abundant talent to the world.
Responding to criticisms regarding the scheduled completion, Shivraj informed that the hotel is well over 90 per cent complete, with just minor painting and tiling remaining. General landscaping was scheduled to begin in earnest, yesterday.
On the topic of the sustainability of such a colossal venture, Shivraj opined that after the World Cup, most of the visitors to the hotel would want to return after being assured of, then experiencing the comfort of top-class accommodation.
All utilities are in place, according to the entrepreneur, who pointed out that a brand new deep well is about to be completed and, in the event of any power failures, emergency generators facilitate an uninterrupted electricity supply.
With more than US$6 million invested, Shivraj is presently collaborating with the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) to devise programmes intended to attract additional tourists.
Shivraj also stressed that he is not forsaking Guyanese; the foreign nationals who will be in the hotel's employ, will be operating on a one-year contract. They in turn will be training Guyanese to take full control of the establishment.
With regards to the Casique Palace 's proximity to his business, Shivraj articulated confidence in his undertaking, noting that the hotel will feature a unique setting and comprise lawn tennis and basketball courts, bowling alleys, presidential suites, Jacuzzi baths, direct TV amenities, an international conference room, along with a contemporary discotheque.
The hotel will also will have two restaurants offering Chinese, English and Creole cuisine.
“Competition is good,” Shivraj noted with a smile.
Responding to the ongoing road project which is speculated to be lagging, Shivraj expressed full support for the contractors and made it clear that in the event that those works do not finish in time, such a development would not impede his business in any way.
Upon completion, the luxury hotel will be one of a kind, creating employment for 200-plus Guyanese. (Gary Eleazer)