THE earthen dam between Belladrum and Paradise Villages on the West Coast of Berbice (WCB) which leads to a picturesque beach on the Atlantic is to be upgraded at a cost of $15M this year. This will enable easy access to the foreshore which has been touted as an excellent tourism destination and recreational area.

The upgrade follows a pledge made by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during the opening of the Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE) for Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) at Paradise, WCB, last September.

PM Nagamootoo made the pledge in response to a call from the then President of Region 5’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Imran Saccoor. The Business Chamber launched the beach as a tourism destination in 2015.

Saccoor held discussions with Councillors of the Profit/Foulis Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) on the best way they could develop the beach as a tourism destination.  It was agreed that upgrading the roadway to the beach and equipping it with street lights would go a long way to making it a desired destination for visitors.

Monday last, the Regional Executive Officer of Region 5, Ovid Morrison revealed the upgrade works would begin this year. He stated, “This road is catered for in the 2019 budget of the Regional Administration. The upgrade will be from a deplorable DBST surface to the asphaltic concrete surface which is the same surface as on the country’s highways. This will enable all year round access to visitors and tourists.”

The official added, “As the Region 5 Chamber of Industry and Commerce pointed out, that beach is a gem and boosting tourism by making it easier for all and sundry to visit is a main intention behind the upgrade.”

Tenders are soon to be invited and a contract awarded for construction of the road to the beach.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that once the upgrade is completed and street lights are added, there are some businessmen who might be inclined to investing in such a facility as a beach front guest house in the area for starters.