$63.5M Banobo Guest House opened at Mabaruma

A fresh chapter in hospitality and tourism has begun in Mabaruma Settlement, Region One, with the official opening of the Banobo Guest House.
The Guest House was officially commissioned during a simple ceremony on Tuesday with Minister of Housing and Water, the Region One Parliamentary Representative Collin Croal.
Among those present at the commissioning were Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, Regional Vice-Chairperson Annansha Peters, and Regional Executive Officer Sewchand.
Funded at a cost of approximately $63.5 million through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) Grant, the facility boasts ten rooms, a spacious kitchen, storage areas, and a balcony. It is designed to boost the hospitality offerings in the region while promoting sustainable development.
Chairperson of the Mabaruma Settlement Community Development Council (CDC), Lynn Hernandez, has expressed pride at the project’s completion.
She said, “When we envisioned our guest house, we wanted to create more than a place to stay. Our mission is to provide an unparalleled experience for travellers, where comfort, hospitality and local culture come together”.
Adding that the project created job opportunities and stimulated community growth, she praised the Government’s continued support for development initiatives.
Commending the CDC for their leadership and initiative, Minister Croal noted that the project stands as a shining example for other villages to emulate. He emphasized that the project not only addresses the shortage of accommodation in the region — especially during major events — but also contributes meaningfully to the region’s broader growth agenda.
Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, in sharing similar sentiments, highlighted the Government’s commitment to hinterland development through initiatives such as the LCDS funds that empower communities and stimulate sustainable economic progress.
In addition to the Guest House, a new $6 million bakery has also been commissioned in the same compound. It is aimed at promoting the production of more local products. Some 105 solar systems have also been handed over to households in the area.