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Guyanese are continually overtaxed in the Hotel Industry – Hotelier Robert Badal
As the Marriott Hotel nears completion, owner of the nearby Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal, has reaffirmed that despite believing that Guyanese are continually “overtaxed” in relation to the hotel industry, his hotel is prepared for
Pegasus Hotel owner Robert Badal
the new competition.
In an interview at the Pegasus Badal also unveiled plans for the Aura Restaurant and Lounge, a newly added rooftop dining area, This facility will be commissioned in time for the Valentine weekend.
This recent renovation is part of the hotelier’s aim to enhance the experiences of guests and local patrons at the Pegasus Hotel. While Badal expressed confidence over the hotel’s competitive edge, he also voiced his concern for the state of the hotel industry in Guyana.
According to Badal, he has faced opposition from public officials who he says have used their position to hinder the progress of local business. To this end, the prominent businessman views the Guyanese hoteliers as having an unfair advantage when it comes to taxation policy.
Badal said that this unfair advantage is further apparent in the tax holidays foreign investors receive in relation to the operation of their hotels.
“I believe that we are a overtaxed people,” said Badal. “It is rather unfair that others are coming (into the country) and are free from taxes; generating no income and no benefits for the country. It is really an abuse public office to be giving tax holiday to people who are not citizens of the country.”
From his observations, Badal explained that he does not see local businesses benefitting from the current tax holidays given only to foreign investors.
Throughout the duration of his business operations, in and outside the hotel, Badal detailed that he has received a lot of push backs from various public officials, who in his view aim to undermine his business.
According to Badal, this demonstrates a clear abuse of public office. They not only undermine his business but can further affect the growth of other local businesses.
“Whatever the motive, I have dealt with competition in my life. I have seen public officials demand that people who come in Guyana, to not visit Pegasus,” related Badal. “I have seen Ministers of the Government encourage people to stay at hotels like Princess Hotel, but we have seen what the result of that was.”
When asked whether his hotel will be able to compete with the newly constructed Marriott Hotel, Badal affirmed his confidence in the Pegasus Hotel.
“I have dealt with those issues and I have dealt with competition,” said Badal.
The Marriott Hotel has received extensive criticisms from sections of the public as the Atlantic Hotel Inc. invested over US$20M of taxpayers’ dollars to manage construction and hold shares in the hotel.
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