Sod turned for country’s first Hilton Hotel at Ogle

―“Guyana is open for business”

―“$100 US investment a sure sign of investor confidence” – Min. Jordan

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, February 19, 2020

“This hotel will add to the portfolios of our green economy with the use of solar energy and its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, by way of a solar farm and green space allocation.”

So said Finance Minister Winston Jordan at a symbolic turning of the sod ceremony for Guyana’s first Hilton Hotels. The buildings will be located south-east of the Eugene F. Correia International Airport.

The Finance Minister noted that in addition to jobs, the proposed hotel will build the local tourism sector’s capacity and lead to a new community, aback of Ogle.

The minister reminded, “Guyana is open of business. Locals and foreigners alike, are our partners for development. Therefore, my office and that of Go-Invest will always be open to assist you. We want to hear about your investment ideas and solutions… The tourism and hospitality sector is a key area in our government’s ambitious drive for economic diversification so we will continue to harness and promote its potential.”

The ceremony marked the culmination of an Agreement between the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and a group of business entrepreneurs under the Caribbean Marketing Enterprise Incorporated (CMEI) group.

United States-based Guyanese businessman Edmon Braithwaite is behind the $20.9Billion (US$100M) investment which will also include a miniature golf course, clubhouse, entertainment centre, swimming pool and solar farm.

The New York-based real estate entrepreneur indicated his intention to remigrate, after spending forty years in the USA.

“It was all Guyanese who put this together,” he stated. “Today represents a momentous occasion, it’s about this team. Each, and every one of you, must understand that whatever commitments we make here, are incredibly serious commitments and we commit to you that we will do everything we could to lift our people up.”

Braithwaite signalled his intention to assist in funding a social programme for locals which includes offering grants to educational institutions and scholarships, with special focus on female entrepreneurs.

Braithwaite’s business partner and CEO of Energy Real Estate Solutions Mike Elliot said: “It is our vision that this site will be a focal point for the Ogle area and to master plan a well-designed mixed-use commercial project. Currently, we anticipate two internationally flagged hotels with associated amenities.”

Elliot who has years of experience and the resources of seven international offices with a focus on emerging markets noted that they anticipate the project will see “immense job creation.”

Director-General of the Ministry of Tourism Donald Sinclair noted that given the explosion of investments being brokered, “they tell a positive story about the local economy.”

Chief Executive Officer acting of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London congratulated the investors and team, noting that the people can be confident in NICIL’s abilities to deliver value for money.

“We have had small successes in the past and these have prepared us for momentous occurrences like these,” he stated.