YOUR TABLE AWAITS: Naniki just before the start of Sunday brunch. Continued from previous page
it is pointed out that he seems to be in fine health, he says, “Well, that’s what I’m saying. A 99-year-old man was here a couple days ago in the restaurant (and) when I congratulated him, the first thing he did was pull out his ID card, because he said no one believes that he is 99. And then he quickly said, ‘and everything’s working!’” As for the economy improving anytime soon, Mr. Hinds says, “I am one of these eternal optimists. I think that the recession has to bottom out, (but one) thing that is disturbing is the onerous departure tax that the British government is levying on countries, especially Barbados, a country that has been so dear to the UK from time immemorial. But hopefully once we can get by I think that we’ll start seeing the arrivals going up and investments flowing in. And I’m hoping that we’ll be able to capture some of that investment when we hit the market with the vacation residences.” In the meantime, one of the cottages has been turned into a spa, called Madini-
QUIET MOMENT: an early guest contemplates the landscape.
na, a Carib word, meaning beautiful flowers, says Mr. Hinds. A larger building, already started, on the western side will eventually house the purpose-built spa and wellness centre, as well as a small gym, a conference room, and two smaller apartments. And while he won’t disclose how much money has been invested in the various projects since he bought the land two decades ago, Mr. Hinds says, “I can tell you that (the cost of ) the cottages alone represents a very tidy sum.” But he is confident of success. “The product is going to work. I think that the growing awareness of people about eco-friendly places of accommodation will help.” But he doesn’t see himself as being ahead of his time. “I think that if you look around and see what is happening. Places like Costa Rica, for instance, have had a thriving eco-tourism industry for years. Guyana, as bad as things might be, still enjoys some measure of success (with eco-friendly resorts). And the market is there and growing for projects that em-
brace the whole idea of protecting the environment.” Finally, we asked Mr. Hinds what advice he might give to people who are in a job and are fairly comfortable and wondering if to become an entrepreneur. “You can’t advise anybody,” he says. “We are who we are as human beings. And while I might be considered a ‘brave’ person, there are lots of people out there who might not have the necessary ‘guts’ to (go into business for themselves). You have to be comfortable with whatever decision you take.” And is it true that entrepreneurs work harder? His reply: “They definitely work harder, there’s no question about it (and) there’s no such thing as retiring! You work and as long as you enjoy what you’re doing, hopefully you’ll be comfortable enough to take a week off a few times a year with someone else in charge. But I think that once the thing is passion-driven, then you’re stuck with it.” BSJ • Amanda Cummins contributed to this story.
This photo shows the wide area covered by the shade house.
The Broad Broad Street Street Journal Journal •• Monday, Monday, January January 25, 25, 2010 2010 •• Page Page 11 11 The