BK Int’l investing US$10M in eco-resort at Tiperu

By Michael Younge

BK International is poised to make a US$10 million investment in developing a luxury eco-tourism resort at its Tiperu, Mazaruni complex.
The disclosure was made by acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali who visited Region Seven over the weekend on official business. Ali, speaking during an interview with Guyana Times International said the investor’s plan to develop a mined out area will attract hundreds of Guyanese and residents of Region Seven.
The facility will provide a high standard of services to both local and overseas tourists.
The minister said the company’s plan forms part of the Tourism Ministry’s wider mandate to continue to attract investment from local companies and large businesses in the tourism sector. He explained that the people of Region Seven would be the first group of beneficiaries from the changes and plans that will be implemented over the next few years.
The resort is expected to comprise a modern golf course and mini-resort, an aqua farm, more than 200 different species of birds, thereby providing birding opportunities and a habitat for animals and various forms of wildlife.
“The magnitude of the investment being made will ignite the eco-tourism potential that is present within Bartica and Region Seven,” Minister Ali said, explaining that the region as a whole offers the opportunities to tourists and Guyanese to be involved in birding, yachting, sailing and aqua-tourism.
He urged miners to utilise some of the facilities which are already available while explaining that the Donald Ramotar administration will be placing more emphasis on the need for continued investment in sustainable tourism ventures like the resort.
Briony Tiwari, a senior representative of the company said the quarry, which produces aggregates for the needs of the construction sector, also has significant eco-tourism potential.
The process to develop the demarcated area into a resort and eco-tourism hot spot began two years ago, she explained, stating that “It’s a major investment which is important because it adds to the country’s overall tourism development.”
Tiwari said officials from the group were in contact with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other entities throughout their efforts to develop the area. “We consult with them every step of the way… we follow the necessary guidelines,” she said, noting that her family and company believe in the protection of animals and the environment strongly.
“We are animal-friendly and there will be no environmental hazards or issues,” she reiterated, pointing out that Guyana’s major attraction lies in the area of eco-tourism development and adventure tourism,” Tiwari said.
She disclosed that work has already started on the construction of the golf course, resort and aqua project, while noting that some 100 fruit trees are to be planted.
Investments have also been made in other areas of the project, which she said should see full completion within five years.
Meanwhile, there are also plans to open up water ways to promote fishing within the area. This, in itself, will attract scores of Barticians and other Region Seven residents on weekends.
Plans are also afoot to construct a playfield in the area for children and adults. The company has more than 150 employees. It is expected that the resort will create jobs for scores of people in the region. The company has developed the road leading to the falls and maintains the surrounding area as part of their corporate duty.