Above: Marriott Area VP Andrew Haughton turns sod at the site (Photo: GINA)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Marriott has broken ground on a $51 million hotel in Georgetown, Guyana in the city’s Kingston neighbourhood.

Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo said the construction of a Marriott hotel had prompted interest for two other hotel brands, although he would not disclose the names of the companies.

The Marriott will have 197 rooms, a casino, restaurant and large ballroom, along with a conference centre.

“The large flagship hotel that we have in Guyana does not meet the expectation of people who come here,” Jagdeo said. “If this country is going to lift itself to world-class standards in every area, we also have to make sure that we have world-class accommodation, and this facility will provide it.”

The project has been in the making since 2004, and a public-private partnership called Atlantic Hotel signed the letter of intent in 2009.

Above: a rendering of the hotel

China’s Shanghai Construction Group will be undertaking construction of the hotel.

The government will provide a minority share of the funding.

Jagdeo was joined by Marriott Area Vice President Andrew Haughton.

“I look forward to supporting the business community here, growing our partnership together and developing the futures for over 250 new people in the hospitality business,” Houghton said.