Abigail DeRamos, owner of Kosmos Grill and Lounge, says the employees will not be jobless as she was engaged with other colleagues within the industry who have agreed to accept a number of the staff that are seeking employment.
Tuesday was officially the last service day for Kosmos. It is now closed to the public. Kosmos had 22 employees on its payroll and DeRamos told Stabroek News that she has since engaged colleagues in the industry who have vacancies to accommodate her team.
DeRamos reiterated that her business was severely affected by MovieTowne Guyana’s new Ferris Wheel venture. The business saw a significant decline in business since customers were staying away because of the nearby construction work. Further, the work at MovieTowne was being done during peak business hours on their busiest days – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – and as a result patrons were affected by the dust and noise emanating from the construction site, she said.
“I don’t have a problem with the ongoing construction; do your construction but not at peak hours when Kosmos is likely to experience the heavy traffic,” DeRamos said.
Statutory commitments such as rent, staff wages and utility bills became difficult to be fulfilled as the business suffered a decline in customer support because of the construction, she added.
The owner emphasised that her business was located in the MovieTowne complex since its establishment and she was disappointed that management showed no consideration to Kosmos.
However, in an interview with Stabroek News, MovieTowne’s Tenant Relations Manager Kwanda Edmonson stressed that the businesses shared a great relationship and the management did not wish for it to end.
Edmondson added that businesses in proximity to the Ferris Wheel are expected to benefit from the venture.
“It is very sad, it’s not something that we wanted. Kosmos was a business that MovieTowne Guyana holds very dear and we do wish them all the best in their future endeavours. We are sad that they are leaving,” Edmonson said.
