The Sheriff Group of Companies yesterday turned the sod at Palmyra, Region Six, for a mall – the first of its kind to be built in Berbice.
The mall will be done in four phases with the first costing some $1.3b, and expected to be completed in August 2024.
Managing Director, Ameir Ahmad, at the sod-turning exercise yesterday, stressed that the mall will not only redefine the landscape of the community but also contribute to the economic prosperity of the region. “While we stand here on this ground we envision a state-of-the-art mall that will not only serve as a centre of commerce but also a hub” of opportunities for the communities.
He said that the Sheriff Mall will be designed to cater to the diverse needs and desires “of our visitors and as a bolstering hub of activities and convenience.”
The mall is expected to offer Berbicians an opportunity to shop from a number of high-end boutiques and artisanal stores “offering everything from the latest trends to the timeless classics” with entertainment and food options being plenty.
“With a state-of-the-art cinema, immense gaming zones, and family-friendly attractions, this facility is benefiting from the quality that Sheriff has come to be known for”, he added.
Stressing that their dedication to Guyana remains steadfast, Ahmad highlighted additional projects they are currently working on around the country. He said, “These investments signify our belief in the needs of the private sector to step up in Guyana and do so rapidly… Our government is doing commendable work and through collective effort, we will steer Guyana towards prosperity.”
The Sheriff Group of Companies is also constructing a three-storey building at Palmyra to house the headquarters for Sheriff Security in the county where they already have some 100 persons on payroll.
The building will also provide a business centre for companies wishing to open operations in the region.
Also, at the Palmyra location, the company is building a Specialty Hospital – an investment which after completion will open up 400 jobs to Berbicians.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of Region Six, David Armogan pointed to the economic opportunities and attractions that the mall will bring to the `Ancient County’.
Confidence
Armogan stressed that major development is happening in the region, especially in the Palmyra area. He said, that the venture by the Sheriff Group exemplifies the confidence that investors now have in Region Six.
“Today we are seeing more and more persons expressing an interest in our regions and exploiting the benefits and exploiting the opportunities that are there for development within our area”, he asserted.
According to Armogan, just a stone’s throw away from where the mall will be constructed is located the CGX wharf which is expected to come on stream by the first quarter of next year, “and when that comes on stream we will have small ships coming in, not only to take in fuel but also to be able to take cargo into the small islands in the Caribbean and so that will be a very good thing for our region not only in terms of employment but in terms of expansion of business that grows around the creation of that wharf.”
Armogan said that also in the Palmyra area other projects to be developed include the deep water harbour and an oil refinery – both of which have been announced by President Irfaan Ali.
“So lots and lots of development are taking place within the Palmyra area and so many, many people will benefit and so your mall here will be a centre of attraction for all these other activities that are taking place around you at Palmyra here”, he added.
The Chairman commended the Sheriff Group for stepping up and taking the lead to develop Region Six as he encouraged other investors to follow suit.
