THE Caribbean Heat Hotel, Restaurant and Bar is the number one spot for clean entertainment in the township of Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast.The bar is located in the Anna Regina Market access road, and in one of the liveliest places for a family get-together in the quiet township.

Owner of the facility, Ghandi Gossai, a Canadian remigrant, told the Guyana Chronicle that he established the business for one of his sons, but unfortunately the son died in an accident before the business opened. The death, he said, caused him to remain in Guyana; and it seems like he would remain here for a long time, since management of the entertainment spot rests squarely on his shoulders.

At the Caribbean Heat Hotel, Restaurant and Bar, patrons can listen to the best Indian filmi music — the blasts from the past and the past; Soca, Hip Hop, Soul, Reggae, Rock and Chutney; while looking at cricket or a movie on big-screen television. And all dishes are served: from mouth-watering curries to wild meat, with the exception of beef and pork.

Patrons are not allowed to fight; argue in anger; swear ‘on the tops of their voices’; or enter the bar without a shirt, or while wearing slippers. “Once they can comply, they can enjoy themselves at Caribbean Heat Hotel, Restaurant and Bar,” Gossai, popularly called “Guss”, told this publication.

He manages the business with the help of his wife, a son, his daughter-in-law and three staff, and they are all courteous and helpful.

According to the businessman, generally, business on the Essequibo Coast is not bright; but business is not bad at Caribbean Heat Hotel, Restaurant and Bar. “To maintain customers, I’ve cut the prices for beers, foods and the hotel; so I have managed to maintain most of my customers, plus I get new people every now and then,” he said.

The spot where the business sits was an abandoned land with a hotel. Gossai, two years ago, purchased the land and invested some $25M in renovating the hotel and building the restaurant and bar.

He said family members and friends in Canada want him to pay them a visit, but to do so now would be very tough. “Even my former boss recently called me and told that my job is still there when I ready to go back,” he said as he rushed to attend to a patron.