NUMBER 63 BEACH, the crown jewel of Berbice’s coastline, is set for a major economic and tourism transformation, with President, Dr Irfaan Ali announcing the launch of a bed-and-breakfast (B&B) entrepreneurship programme targeting young people across Region Six.

The initiative will create 100 new entrepreneurs, with a mandate that at least 60 percent must be women, marking one of the most aggressive youth-empowerment and tourism-driven interventions undertaken in the region.

During his press conference in Berbice, President Ali said the B&B project is designed to tap into the region’s growing tourism potential, while creating sustainable income streams for young people.

He tied the programme directly to the massive development push underway at the beach, which is being spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady.

“We are going to work with at least 100 young people, of which 60 per cent must be women below the age of 35, on the building out of a bed-and-breakfast tourism facility,” President Ali announced.

He stressed that this initiative is not merely about tourism expansion, but about creating long-term, resilient livelihoods for young families in Berbice.

The President described the project as a model that will foster entrepreneurship, local ownership and community-driven tourism, ensuring the economic benefits remain rooted in Region Six.

“This will create 100 new entrepreneurs, young entrepreneurs here in Region Six,” he said, pointing to the scale of local empowerment expected.

The initiative comes at a time when Number 63 Beach is receiving extensive upgrades, transforming it into a recreational, cultural and economic hub.

These enhancements, ranging from landscaping and public amenities to safety features and tourism infrastructure, are already drawing more families, visitors and event organisers to the area.

According to President Ali, the B&B programme will complement this broader modernisation effort. By establishing a network of locally run accommodation options, the government aims to position Number 63 Beach as a premier tourism destination for domestic and regional travellers.

This move also aligns with the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration’s commitment to building out the orange economy, strengthening community-based enterprises and diversifying rural-income opportunities.

The programme is expected to include structured training for participants, covering hospitality management; financial literacy; customer service; digital marketing and facility maintenance. These skillsets will help young entrepreneurs run high-quality, sustainable businesses capable of meeting rising tourism demands.

The project also dovetails with parallel investments in sports, recreation and creative industries across Region Six—including the One Guyana Stadium at Palmyra; upgraded parks and waterfronts; new studios for the creative arts and the modern synthetic track facility. With improved roads; expanded lighting; new public-safety measures and ongoing works on major transport infrastructure, the region is increasingly positioned for tourism-led growth.

President Ali has repeatedly emphasised that the government’s strategy for Region Six is built on creating “vibrant, inclusive, well-connected” communities that offer opportunities for young people to thrive. The B&B initiative at Number 63 Beach stands as a core part of that philosophy, marrying tourism development with youth empowerment and local-enterprise creation.

As the project takes shape, residents can expect Number 63 Beach to rapidly evolve from a popular leisure spot into a major economic driver, one powered by the innovation, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of young Berbicians.