THE Watooka Guest House that recently underwent massive renovations, transforming it into a modern hospitality facility, was on Thursday evening officially declared open by Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar.

In his address, the minister stressed that the new facility can be deemed the Pride of Linden, more so with its outdoor restaurant and water deck, which now accesses the Demerara River. He stressed that there is still a void to be filled relative to high-quality accommodation in Guyana and commended those behind the project. With the town of Linden being poised for real tourism growth, Minister Rajkumar affirmed that such a project was much needed and pledged the commitment of the Guyana Tourism Authority, to support the NICIL and the Watooka Guest House in whatever way possible.

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Annette Ferguson, said the government is committed to ensuring that historical edifices and sites remain intact and are upkept for both tourism and historical purposes.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valarie Yearwood gave anecdotes of her personal experiences on the degradation of the building and how it took strident efforts to get it to where it is today. She commended Chief Executive Officer of NICIL, Colvin London, for being the brainchild behind the project and his committed team for making it a reality.
London related that there are a plethora of projects in the pipeline for Linden and these interventions will see the town’s tourism industry as well as the quality of life of Lindeners taking an upward leap.

“Linden will be blooming again,” he said and urged the residents to play their role in ensuring this happens.

After the opening ceremony, the ministers and other dignitaries cut the ceremonial ribbon, before taking a tour of the facility. Guests were then treated to a taste of what will be in store at the guest house and were served refreshing cocktails and finger foods on the river deck. Many of those present expressed their excitement to experience the deck, especially at nights as it is a new feature for Linden.

The Watooka Guest House is one of the oldest colonial buildings in Linden that served as a restaurant and guest house in the early 1900s. The massive upgrade includes refurbishments to 13 suites including the Presidential and Prime Ministerial Suites, purchasing of modern equipment, appliances and other amenities, expansion of sections of restaurants, such as the bar, installations of air-conditioning units, lights, WIFI system and cable TV, a complete kitchen makeover, landscaping and general maintenance of the lawns. The entire compound, which also boast a pool, a decorative lawn and garden, has been extensively improved. The roof, windows, pool, fence and gate, among other things, were also modernised.

In addition to the new deck, other added amenities include a fully furnished annexe that comes with all modern amenities. This is located opposite the Watooka Guest House. In an effort to boost its hospitality service, a plethora of new services are also now available. This include collaborating with tour agencies to ensure guests enjoy a full experience of Linden, a private lounge, a membership scheme, security escorts and transportation services as well as catering for private, small and large events, among other things.

Opposite to the Watooka Guest House is a centennial park which features the old railway line station with locomotive as walking draglines that were used in the earlier days of bauxite mining. These were also spruced up as part of the upgrading project.