Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
‘No parking’ outside Hotel Tower baffles investor
Parking is no longer allowed in the area in front of Hotel Tower, and investor James Manbahal worries that this could affect support on club nights at the popular Edge Lounge.
– Police say move facilitates smooth traffic flow
New York-based Guyanese investor, James Manbahal, is baffled by a move by the Traffic Department to now designate the eastern side of the Main Street carriageway outside the Hotel Tower as a “No Parking” zone, but Traffic Chief Neil Semple says the move is intended to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic.
Manbahal is part of an investment group that bought over Hotel Tower and set about an extensive renovation programme. Manbahal told Kaieteur News that he has so far invested US$5.5 million and another US$2 million is needed for further renovations.
The now prohibited parking area outside the hotel has been historically used for that purpose, but now Manbahal is complaining that vehicles of both customers and staff are being towed away. “Even the yellow cab taxi service operated by the Hotel, which was parked off the road, can no longer do so,” Manbahal said.
The investor is particularly worried about the impact this new development would have on the entertainment services offered by the Hotel, including the now popular “Edge Lounge” and club. The entertainment facilities have been extremely popular since being opened a few months ago. Manbahal said that the problem is an issue especially on club nights, which are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
“I am trying to promote tourism and create a nightlife; I am in nobody’s way,” Manbahal argued.
He said that it was only last October when the PPP celebrated its anniversary in New York that he was commended by President Jagdeo for the investment in Hotel Tower.
“They come here (United States) and preach to us to go back home and invest, so I don’t’ understand what is happening,” told Kaieteur News via telephone.
“If other locations on Main Street were also designated “No Parking” areas, then I could understand the logic, but since it is just Hotel Tower, I could only conclude that it is a case of discrimination. I pay my taxes, I pay my VAT. Why am I only being discriminated against?” Manbahal stated emphatically.
In an invited comment, the Traffic Chief said that his department has received several complaints about the fact that taxis and vehicles parked on the left side of the road have been impeding the smooth flow of traffic.
As a result, he said the decision to place a “No Parking” sign outside the Hotel is in the interest of regulating traffic, given that there is a traffic light just a short distance away.
The Traffic Chief disclosed that his department was moving to correct the same problems at other locations in the city, including other sections of Main Street. He disagreed that the move to place the “No Parking” sign outside Hotel Tower would disrupt business saying that patrons are free to park on the other side of the carriageway. Regarding the towing away of vehicles, the Traffic Chief said that this will be carried out if they are badly parked.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Bureaucracy gone bananas!
…Peeping Tom kaieteur News- Every morning, the government wakes up, stretches its arms, and spends one billion dollars... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
