THE Marriott is one of my favourite chains of hotels.  Whenever, my family and I have to travel, we love to stay at a Marriott and enjoy its management, serenity, service and quality. The general personality of the Marriott Chain is full of eagerness to please, and within its customers, is the excitement to stay and be pampered.

I also know that the Marriott has its own style of attracting customers and has its committed customers, some of whom will travel to a destination just because Marriott operates there, and they, the customer can get the quality service they are accustomed to. In our recent China tour, we stayed only at the Marriott, and the experience of its service will linger for long in our hearts.

As a Guyanese, I fully support His Excellency, Bharrat Jagdeo, and his government’s welcome of this magnificent chain to Guyana.  It will show to the customers of Marriott and those needing such service, that in this little Third World Country of Guyana, a Marriott operates, and hence, a noteworthy place to visit.

As a businessman, I see this as a venture which will reap huge rewards, and one from which many spin-off industries will also benefit.  Thus helping in employment and contributing to the economy in general.

I have noticed quite steady protestations from Mr. Badal, new owner CEO and Chairman of the Guyana Pegasus criticising and even attempting to embarrass His Excellency, and also the government over the Marriott venture, and for even investing in the project. Well he has his opinion and so do others, but sadly, he is like some others with anti-government posturing expecting everyone to think as they do. They also have to respect other people’s opinions.

I was a Tagore Memorial High School student when the Pegasus was being built, and it was just as exciting then, as the Marriott coming to Guyana now.  If memory serves me right, the then Burnham Government used Guyanese tax dollars to invest in the hotel, which was good, as we had no hotel of excellence to serve high ranking officials of foreign governments and business.   These chains (Pegasus was Trust Forte Houses, I believe), need government’s backing in order to proceed with major investments.

I wish to say in fairness to Mr. Badal, that after taking over the Pegasus, the service is still as excellent as before, and the food quite good. I always enjoy its ambience and general service.  Many friends have kept receptions, dinners and so on there, and it is always well organized and satisfying.  The Pegasus has served Guyana well over the decades, so we as a people must not be ungrateful to it nor bad mouth it.  I can just remember when it was just constructed, it was a highlight, a must see when visiting Georgetown.  I encourage Mr. Badal to accept that the Marriott will be a reality, and as a dynamic and visionary businessman, to harness his creative juices and powers, and create systems to be a superb competition to Marriott.

The Pegasus has been around for a long time, and will be for many more decades.  It will continue to serve with distinction, with its own beautiful International and Guyanese flavours.  So Bro Badal, settle down, accept and move with the power within, think beautiful and well, and you will continue to be prosperous.  Competition is good. The Pegasus can also be assured of many Guyanese support and friendship.  Plus the support of the tens of thousands it served internationally over the years.

A guide to some customers who visit hotels of this caliber is this:  Quality restaurants are not fast food joints.  When visiting places such as these to eat, one is expected to relax, have a drink (in my case a juice), enjoy the presence, feel the mood of the water falling in the pool, an just enjoy peace and quiet, or the music, according to the time.  Do not expect instant service like a fast food joint people.  I have noticed that from the stop lights, to shopping malls and marts, gas stations, the markets and even the theatre, Guyanese are losing their patience.  People do not want to wait.  At times, if very hungry, one can ask the server to rush it a bit, even cracking a joke, like I would say, or you want to see a patient fainting on the floor or panting with hunger, they will laugh and try to help, or ask for a roll.

Best wishes to the Pegasus, as I await with great anxiety the arrival of the Marriott.