Essequibo businessman opens multimillion-dollar shopping complex

In time for Christmas

– started from humble beginnings

By Indrawattie Natram

Essequibo businessman Hemant Kumar Takram, called “Cheap Boy”, has opened a new shopping complex at Anna Regina in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) which will offer a wide range of services and items to the public for Christmas.
Takram said the demand from the Essequibo population has definitely prompted his decision to construct another shopping area for residents.
During an interview with Guyana Times, Takram said he started from humble beginnings:  from pushing go-carts and selling on the pavements in Georgetown to owning his own business.
Today, the businessman said he has no regrets venturing to the Essequibo Coast – a decision he took 14 years ago.
“I used to push carts in the streets of Georgetown selling hair bands, combs and other fine things, then business was not doing well. As such, I decided to come to Essequibo. I knew no one when I came here; I slept on stalls before I could have actually stood on my feet,” Takram recalled.
When asked the cost of his new investment, the businessman said “millions of dollars” and explained that over 50 persons were hired. The spanking new, modern-looking shopping complex located at Anna Regina has already opened its doors to the Essequibo population.
The businessman said that his success was as a direct result of his second wife, Sophia Takram, who would give him all the support he needs. “With an encouraging wife, anything is possible…she guides me,” the businessman said.
He also said he lived according to the guiding principle of doing the right thing and trending in the righteous path. Takram also alluded to several other investments he made over the years in Berbice and Bartica, which were halted as he decided to consolidate the business in Region Two.
Takram said the main challenge for his business was shoplifting and he was putting everything in place to ensure that this did not happen at his new location.
In the past, many persons caught were pardoned and some were even charged for simple larceny. The businessman said that persons were often caught red-handed on camera trying to steal from him. However, security has been boosted at the new location.