MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, on Saturday evening joined the Meena family for the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Aagman Restaurant’s second location at Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three.
Minister Rodrigues, while delivering the feature address, highlighted the continued growth of Guyana’s tourism and hospitality sector and the importance of local businesses investing and expanding to meet growing opportunities.
She emphasised that tourism growth must translate into tangible benefits for Guyanese through business development, employment, skills training and opportunities across the tourism value chain.
“Tourism must benefit people. Tourism must create livelihoods.”
The minister noted that restaurants form an important part of the visitor experience and contribute to the development of tourism circuits, while welcoming Aagman’s decision to reinvest in its business after 13 years of operation.
“Every investment like this creates economic activity beyond the establishment itself. It creates jobs, supports suppliers, generates demand for goods and services, and provides opportunities for people to develop skills and build careers,” Minister Rodrigues said.
Meanwhile, Aagman’s co-owner, Neha Meena, reflected on the family’s journey and their confidence in Guyana’s continued development, particularly in Region Three.
“For us, Aagman is more than a restaurant. It is a place where families celebrate, friends reconnect, and memories are created around the table.”
Mrs Meena also highlighted Guyana’s potential for wellness tourism, noting the country’s forests, rivers and natural environment as an opportunity to attract visitors seeking wellness and conscious retreats.
The new location adds to the growing range of dining and hospitality offerings in Region Three and further strengthens the connection between the tourism, culinary and business sectors.
Also present were Social Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud; High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Manoj Kumar; Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh; President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Mitra Ramkumar; President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce, Bhabita Alberts; members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the private sector and members of the Aagman team. (DPI)
