“BERBICE is a sleeping giant that is now waking up,” said Minister of Telecommunications with responsibility for Tourism, Cathy Hughes, as she declared open on Friday, Eclipse and 10th Street, a multi-purpose hall in New Amsterdam.The building is an extension of the Little Rock Suites and a welcome addition to the Little Rock family business. Visitors throughout Guyana can now enjoy a location in New Amsterdam that offers top-notch delicacies and entertainment.

According to attorney and entrepreneur Naomi Christie, the idea of the hall is to give Berbicians and visitors to Berbice a place where they can enjoy quality time with family and friends.

The building can be used as a club, banquet hall to host parties, weddings etcetera and is equipped with the most modern lighting and air- conditioning systems, among other amenities.

The bottom flat of the building hosts 10th Street, a fast- food joint and ice-cream parlour . It also houses NEC Collections, a souvenir and gift shop for visitors to the town, as well as the law office of Naomi Christie.

Minster Hughes thanked the investors for their commitment and confidence in Guyana.

“I can tell you what you have done with this place is a contribution and commitment to Berbice that you have every intention of developing Berbice and that you have confidence in Guyana’s tourism product.”

Minister Hughes noted that the investment is a very important part of the tourism nucleus for Berbice, pointing out that 35  tour operators in neighbouring Suriname will be bringing a lot of visitors to these shores and will need a place to overnight and enjoy top-class entertainment before moving on to Georgetown and going to the interior regions.

“I want to bring to you my personal commitment as we plan and develop our tourism product all across Guyana, that I would ensure that New Amsterdam and Berbice are not left out as we look at bringing visitors to Guyana and I want you to know that Berbice and New Amsterdam are very important stopping points in that trek across Guyana.”

The minister also spoke about the expansion of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, which she noted the Little Rock Brand can utilise to expand its products and services.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan, who also spoke at the opening, lauded the Little Rock Family for being among the pioneers of development in New Amsterdam.

“Today, we are here to experience the opening of another business venture by the Christie family…. They came from very humble beginnings and are today one of the wealthiest families in New Amsterdam. Their story is one that a lot of young people should look to emulate and serve as motivation, so that they too can begin from humble beginnings and be among the wealthiest in the town.”

The Christie family (little Rock Brand) currently employs 65 persons across Guyana and now with the multi-purpose hall, they will employ 35 more.
They started their business with the Little Rock Hotel at Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, and from there, it has grown to include the Little Rock Television Station, 88.5 Rock FM and Little Rock Suites, among others.