Page 6
Kaieteur News
Thursday August 30, 2012
Giftland Mall assures 2000 job opportunities upon completion - Eight-theatre Cineplex, 500-seat food court among features E m p l o y m e n t opportunities for 2,000 persons will be available after Giftland Mall opens its doors for business in February 2013 upon completion of all phases. Managing Director, Roy Beepat, noted that the construction of phase one will cost at least G$4 billion. This will be provided by commercial banks and two investors. The mall will incorporate international and indigenous aspects into its design and service offerings, and also serve as a tourist (both local and foreign) attraction. It is being constructed on six acres at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, adjacent to the CARICOM Headquarters. The company acquired the land in September 2007. One of the major features will be the inclusion of an eight-theatre Cineplex. Currently no such facility exists in Guyana and given the resurgence of movie theatres in the Caribbean (St Lucia, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, amongst others) the time, according to Beepat, is opportune for the introduction of such facilities in Guyana, particularly the highly-populated Georgetown and surrounding areas. The other significant addition to Guyanese entertainment will be a 500seat food court done in an open air courtyard setting which will offer a variety of local and international
cuisine in addition to franchises. This area will not only be for dining, but also an entertainment hot-spot. There will also be local live entertainment, ranging from poetry recital and drama to live music and plays. Beepat noted that the intention and concept behind the food court/entertainment area is more one of cultural enrichment and enhancement rather than just retailing, and as such the design, landscaping and layout will reflect this. Giftland Mall intends to supply its own electrical generators, water wells and sewerage systems, and a 3.5 acre parking lot, which might include a sheltered bus terminus, has been identified to facilitate approximately 500 vehicles. It was emphasised that all of areas of the mall would make provision for disabled persons. Giftland plans to close its Water Street operations upon completion of the massive facility. Phase two is expected to include a multi-level car park, supermarket, hardware store, hotel, auditorium and casino. Phase three will consist of multi-level shopping and offices with a connecting conveyor sky-walk between the car park and third wing. According to Beepat, the Mall will provide many direct and indirect benefits to the economy and augment the infrastructural work being
A section of the Giftland Mall under construction. done by the Government. Some of the benefits, he emphasised, include “employment opportunities for skilled, unskilled/semiskilled, professional, part-time
workers, University of Guyana students; the setting up of a Retailing/ Merchandising/Customer Service training centre in administrative offices to train
persons in the labour pool; an increase in Government revenue from taxes and VAT; significant opportunities for indigenous skilled workers to showcase their handicraft all
year round, and opportunities for many independent business and service providers to have a branch outside of the congested downtown business centre”.
Guyanese extradited to Brazil arrested again by local cops - Relatives bemoan “constant harassment” Relatives and concerned residents of Lethem said they are disgusted over the constant police harassment of Euclid Da Silva also known as Euclid Saigo. This publication was told that Da Silva only returned to Guyana about two weeks ago after being released by law enforcement officials in neighbouring Brazil. Back in August 2010, the man, who operated a business
in Hadfield Street, Georgetown, was arrested and handed over to Brazilian authorities by the local police. It was claimed that he was wanted by the Brazilian authorities for unlawfully escaping from custody while serving a lengthy prison sentence. However, according to Da Silva’s brother, Guy Saigo, his brother was released by Brazilian authorities without
being charged for any offence and was sent back to Guyana where he is a citizen. Da Silva’s brother told this publication that he was informed that his brother had been arrested early yesterday morning. When contacted, the man’s attorney, Peter Hugh, told this publication that he had been detained for ‘illegal entry’ to Guyana. Residents of Lethem who heard of Da Silva’s arrest did
Euclid Da Silva not take the news lightly, and they too expressed disgust at the police action. One resident who spoke with this publication said the police should direct their attention to the thousands of illegal Brazilians who work in Guyana without permits. Residents said they will not rest until there is a proper explanation for Da Silva’s detention. Back in 2010, Da Silva was arrested and subsequently released on $100,000 station bail. Having learnt of the police’s intention to extradite Da Silva to Brazil, his lawyer had moved to the High Court to block the expulsion. However, despite a favourable ruling by Chief Justice Ian Chang, the local law enforcement authorities released Da Silva into the custody of the Brazilian Federal Police. Further, while all this was being done, relatives had produced documentation which supports that Da Silva is a Guyana citizen by birth. Up to press time yesterday, Da Silva was still being held at the Brickdam Police Station.