Trinidadian proprietors of MovieTowne Guyana say construction on the US$20M facility is likely to start in December, providing much needed employment, particularly in the construction sector.
A Government Informa-tion Agency (GINA) press release said since its November 2011 unveiling, the proprietors have been finalising arrangements that are intended to see work start on Guyana’s first ever multi-cinema complex.
After a meeting with President Donald Ramotar on Wednesday, Trinidad MovieTowne founder Derek Chin told GINA that “A lot of planning dealing with all the networking, with our architects… that took a lot of planning to ensure that we provide a state-of-the-art, world class facility here for Guyana.”
On its completion, MovieTowne Guyana will be the first branch outside of Trinidad and Tobago. It will comprise eight multiplex cinemas coupled with 30 local, regional and international stores, a bank, area for dining and a parking space for over 700 vehicles.
Chin said corporate Trinidad has also expressed a lot of interest in procuring slots for companies like Wendy’s, International, Paul Mark and First Citizens Bank (FCB). Having won the full endorsement of the Guyana Government, Chin is optimistic about the new project. “We came to Guyana to show our interest and within a week we were able to consummate a deal. I am hoping that our government in Trinidad will follow suit. I have to congratulate both of your Presidents, your Prime Minister and Cabinet for making things as easily as possible,” he said.
It is expected to provide employment opportunities for hundreds of construction workers and is scheduled to be completed in less than two years on the ten-acre plot of land at Turkeyen near the Rupert Craig Highway.
“We are here to… create sustained employment, to create construction and bring something to the country that it never had before,” Chin said. According to Chin, MovieTowne has changed the landscape of entertainment in Trinidad and Tobago, providing options for family outings and it is the place for the latest in Hollywood, blockbuster regional and Bollywood movies. “We are more than just going to movies and the people of Guyana will soon experience that,” Chin assured.
