The Cara Lodge Hotel has celebrated its 20th anniversary. The business marked this event by hosting an awards ceremony for its staff. One of the two founders of Cara Hotels, Shaun McGrath, explained how he and fellow co-founder, Paul Stephenson, conceptualised the business in 1996 after they were approached by Heritage. Cara Lodge is the former Woodbine House. Nine employees with 20 years of service and seven with 10 years of service were specially honoured as the company recently celebrated its anniversary.
Founders and owners of the Hotel, Shaun McGrath and Paul Stephenson
“The House has seen a number of special visitors from Edward VIII when he was Prince of Wales; the home of the first local Mayor of Georgetown, G B Forshaw; and the first ballet school. Since becoming Cara Lodge, the historic hotel has welcomed Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward, President Carter and Mick Jagger and numerous other guests from around the world,” a press statement noted.
It was further noted that at time of its opening, Cara Lodge offered 14 hotel rooms; but a new wing with an additional 22 rooms was added later on – notably, the Woodbine Room and the Ballet Room.
Davina Stephenson who represented co-founder Paul Stephenson observed that “over 50 per cent” of the hotel’s staff has 10 years of service.
The release noted that Cara Lodge intends to sponsor the publication of a book of the articles and research of Guyanese historian, Sister Noel Menezes.
“Cara will also be offering an internship to one of the boys living at the Mercy Boys Home (which caters to youths aged 16 and above. The Home prepares them for life outside of the orphanage). Cara will also take one lucky young man and train him in all departments at Cara Lodge for 18 months and then send him to their sister hotel, Cara Suites in Trinidad for junior management training lasting six months and will guarantee a job at Cara at the end of the training period if he so wishes,” the release added.
Cara Lodge staff honoured for over 10 and 20 years of service
Receiving the gifts on behalf of Sister Noel and the Mercy Home, June Mendes noted that the printing of Sister Noel’s works will afford Guyanese the opportunity to read their history.
Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, was also present at the event. He congratulated the hotel for its “long service to Guyana and to Guyana’s tourism”.
