“From when I first started, it has been my hope to expand to Guyana,” says Shayne Stuart. She is referring to her plan to bring ‘ glamping ‘ to Guyana, explaining that the word derives from two words – glamorous and camping – being combined.

She has already established a glamping site in the state of Georgia in the United States. It is situated beside Clark’s Hill, the largest lake in the state, on a 55-acre spread she purchased. Shayne is Guyanese, but grew up in the US. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education and a Master Degree in Finance and Accounting. After working for some 17 years and gaining the position of Director of the state of New Jersey, she took early retirement at the age of 50 because of the COVID pandemic in 2020 and decided to start her own business.

She settled on the idea of a glamping resort, having been a camper for several years. “I spent the last 25 years camping with my (four) daughters all over the US and Canada and in Guyana, she tells me. However, she recognised that while some people want to be outdoors, they are loath to ‘rough’ it and give up their home comforts.

Glamping offers all the amenities of home in a truly salubrious environment. From a glimpse of her brochure advertising the site in Georgia, the resort, comprising geo-domes and safari tents, is well-appointed. The interior of the facilities is spacious and tastefully decorated.

“This is for people who would like to go outdoors but are intimidated by it,” she smiles. In order to better prepare herself for such a venture, during her three-month stay, Shayne attended the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, held in Guyana last February.

Here she met and interacted with people from all over the world who also came to explore the possibility of starting businesses in this country. What she learned at the conference encouraged her to remain longer in the country, seeking land to begin her business.

She is particularly interested in establishing a resort on the Soesdyke/Linden highway, though she is open to other locations. Given the country’s burgeoning economy, the influx of foreigners, ex-pats and vacationers and our fast-growing tourist industry, Guyana is ripe for this alternative to traditional camping.

Shayne, who left the country Saturday, plans to return in July and continue her hunt for land on which to set up her resort and bring glamping to Guyana. Those who want to find out more can visit her website, www.theglampinn.com.