Bethany Village gets 1st guest house to boost tourism

By: Raywattie Deonarin

Bethany Village which is located along the Supenaam Creek in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful environment opened the door to its first-ever guest house.
The visionary project was initiated by the village council/Toshao Sonia Latchman. The guest house was constructed to meet the growing demand from visitors seeking accommodations in the village, drawn by its scenic beauty and tranquil environment.
During an interview with Latchman, she highlighted the community-driven nature of the project, stating that the idea stemmed from recognising the frequent inquiries from visitors about places to stay. After proposing the idea at a village meeting, the residents overwhelmingly supported the initiative.
The guest house features three standard rooms, a spacious living room, hammocks, kitchen and washroom facilities, and a park for relaxation. To ensure convenience, ATV bikes are available for guests who prefer not to walk the distance, and boat services provide easy access to Bethany. The village offers a range of activities, including hiking, bird watching, paddling, and swimming in the fresh black water.

The project was funded by the 2021 and 2022 Presidential Grant and a portion of the COVID-19 relief fund. Moving forward, the village plans to utilise the 2024 Presidential Grant for further expansion and enhancements to the guest house.
This initiative is a key component of Bethany’s broader strategy to boost tourism and generate revenue. The guest house is expected to be a significant source of income for the village, promoting sustainable development and creating employment opportunities for residents. By attracting more visitors, Bethany can showcase its unique culture and natural beauty to a wider audience, helping to stimulate the local economy.
Latchman noted that feedback from the first guests has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the breezy atmosphere and warm hospitality. She further stated that the positive response has encouraged the village to continue improving and expanding the guest house’s offerings.

“Visitors have praised the guest house for its breezy atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the people. They felt comfortable and welcomed, and this positive feedback motivates us to continue improving,” she added.

Furthermore, she stated that the revenue generated from the guest house will enable the village to undertake additional projects that will benefit the community. These projects include further development of the tourism sector and initiatives to showcase local crafts, providing villagers with opportunities to earn income and promote their cultural heritage.
“This initiative is not just about providing a place to stay; it’s a revenue-generating project aimed at sustaining itself and creating employment opportunities for our villagers. It also serves as a platform to showcase our village to the world,” Latchman noted.
Toshao Latchman also emphasised that the main goal is to promote tourism in Bethany and help the community progress into the 21st century, ensuring that the village grows and thrives.