New Fort Island resort expects to open for business in January

 A gazebo
A gazebo

Guyana’s latest resort, located on Fort Island in the Essequibo River, owned and managed by two Guyanese brothers, Keith Eytle and Gordon Eytle, is expected to open by the first week in January.

The resort is located on the island which is approximately 15 kilometers from the mouth of the Essequibo River. The project started some five years ago, with an initial investment of $26 million dollars poured into it, and the Eytle brothers estimate that another $10M is required to complete the construction of a new eight-room guest house. The resort currently consists of 5 small houses, with 2 having double bedrooms, one large gazebo and benab-style bar.

The entrance of the resort
The bridge leading to a fort

When Stabroek News spoke with Gordon Eytle, he noted that the idea to build a resort on the island came from his eldest brother, Michael Eytle, who had always ‘wanted to do something’ on the island. According to Gordon, many acres of land on the island are family owned. After he and his brothers migrated to the United Kingdom, some of the lands were illegally occupied, and following the passing of Michael, two other brothers decided to fulfil their brother’s dream.

Gordon noted costs for travel, period of visits and stays at the resort have not been finalized, as these are contingent on the volume of passengers per visit. He did emphasise that the resort will provide its own transportation based on the amount of passengers visiting. The resort will also allow persons to explore the island, visit creeks, facilitate bird watching, and swimming in the Essequibo River and much more. Keith and Gordon hope to officially open their resort in the first week of January.