Giftland officially opens US$30M Mall

By Jomo Paul

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Giftland Office Max on Thursday, July 02 officially commissioned its spanking new multi-complex shopping Mall at Pattensen, East Coast Demerara.

The Mall’s construction, of which only phase one has been completed, is being boasted as Guyana’s first modern shopping mall filled with several additions, the best of which has been dubbed the “main attraction”.

During the commissioning ceremony it was revealed that there was a syndicate of some six investors that partnered to see the completion of the project that was years in the making.

These six partners include Trinidad and Tobago based First Citizens Bank, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Citizens Bank, Nand Persaud and Company and Assuria Insurance out of Suriname.

Chief Executive Officer of the Company Roy Beepat said that though the company has grown, its humility and commitment to the Guyanese consumers have not been diminished in any way.

Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin dubbed the enterprise a “fairly impressive business venue,” when he took to the podium to make the keynote address.

He stated “I have no doubt that by the time phases two and three are completed that this Giftland Mall will have all the elements of modern malls around the world.”

Gaskin pointed out too that the venture is coming to fruition at a time when the country is embarking on a different direction as it relates to policy and other issues of national importance.

According to the Minister, investments like these are indicators for the economy, adding that good governance is the key to a thriving business sector.

“Once Guyana demonstrates its commitment to good governance it will become more attractive for new investment …never before has there been such a clear and direct connection established between government and the private sector,” said Gaskin.

Meanwhile, Acting President Moses Nagamootoo was also on hand for the ceremony and remarked that it is a beautiful venture.

Last Sunday, the Prime Minister and his team were given a tour of the facility and where he expressed his satisfaction.

“This is the most beautiful innovation of business,” said Nagamootoo.

The US $30M Giftland Mall will offer unlimited access to entertainment, including an 8,000 square foot kid’s playground with bungee trampolines, rock climbing, swings & slides, party rooms, concession stands, face painting and many other features.

It will also house a 3,500 square foot kid’s restaurant and video arcade, 500 square foot teens plus modern video arcade, 8 3D theatre cinemas, 4 units of 20 feet long aquariums in different theme settings with live fish and plants.

Additionally the ‘one of a kind mall’ also boasts of 16 different food courts, featuring the widest variety, of food options in the Caribbean with seating for 500.

Its five restaurants features Chinese, English, Indian, Brazilian grill and Italian/seafood, cuisine and also a British pub, coffee shop and American sports bar.