US$20M Courtyard by Marriott Hotel commissioned

Aug 28, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News – President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday joined the Bassoo family in commissioning the US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, which is located near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

The six-storey hotel which was built on some 2.5acre plot of lease land from the Guyana Government was built by Cardinal Investment Inc., a company, which was established by the Directors of Bassoo Group.

The 150-room hotel includes six suites, restaurant, bar, fitness center, swimming pool and meeting spaces with capacity to accommodate events up to 200 people. It also provides jobs for more than 100 persons.

President Ali said with the opening of this hotel, it is making a statement to the world that Guyana is on the move. “Guyana is serious about transformation, Guyana is ready to take its place as a destination, ready to become a transit hub, ready to build a diversified future and we embrace our partners in this journey,” he said.  The President stated that the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel located near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, is a majestic structure that attests to the fact that they are doing things “better and quicker in this country.”

“But this hotel is more than that. It is a symbol of ambition, a demonstration of confidence and a cornerstone of the bold future we are building for our people. As I said before we are not waiting on the future, we are building it right here, right now,” the head-of-state noted.

He further stated that this investment is not an isolated act and that it is part of a larger deliberate strategic plan. That plan, he noted is that by the end of this year, Guyana would boast more than 2,000 world-class hotel rooms. “We are not building hotels for the sake of hotels, we are building capacity, we are not just lifting ceilings we are lifting standards. To accompany all of these investments, in the next term we will build a word-class indoor area where we will be able to host international events of every scale ad magnitude.” Whether it is in boxing, music and the arts, the president said they are going after those opportunities aggressively, because “we have a responsibility to these investors, to invest in an ecosystem that will bring people to take and make use of their service.”

According to him, the government is making Guyana fit for purpose as a major tourism destination. “We are not talking about tourism in a narrow sense; we are talking about a sector that can host conferences and conventions, a sector that can attract international events from business summits to sports and cultural festivals, a sector that welcomes the adventure tourist, the heritage explorer and eco travelers. We are creating an ecosystem one that matches the dynamism of our people and the beauty of our land,” he explained.

Looking to make Guyana this hub, he mentioned that hotels like the Courtyard by Marriott, positions Guyana to deliver exactly that. “It answers a demand that is high, that is consistent and that will only grow stronger,” he said.

During his remarks, he also related that this hotel is critically linked to many important investments of the immediate future. For example, the racing track that is close to the hotel which he mentioned they have to work to develop, the Silica City initiative and the young professional homes that are being built nearby.

“The government is matching the confidence of the private sector and we are investing to secure your investment and confidence,” he related.

Confident that his party will go back into government come September 1, Ali told the gathering that within the first week of the new term they plan on issuing expression of interests for all-inclusive resorts in Guyana. The areas identified that will first benefit he said includes Orinduik, Lethem, Leguan, Linden, the 63 Beach, Bartica, Stabroek waterfront, Vreed-en-Hoop waterfront and Kamana Village.

“Within the first week of the next term we will be issuing expression of interest for all-inclusive resorts in these areas, we expect strong local and international partnership and participation in this. I expect the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and the Privet Sector Commission to prepare themselves to build a consortium to ensure we get this done,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Managing Director of Cardinal Investments Inc., Roy Basso Snr. said this smart 21^st century architectural masterpiece highlights what is possible when foreign and local expertise merge. “This milestone is far more than the strategic investment in our hospitality and tourism sector. It is the beacon illuminating Guyana’s international promise and our flourishing economy. Under a 20-year agreement, Marriott International will operate this renowned American brand strengthening our bridge to door opening global opportunities,” he disclosed.

With surging demands from airlines and travelers, Bassoo noted that they anticipate that this hotel will be fully booked when it becomes operational in the coming weeks. Already, he said that they are planning to expand and are in advanced discussions with the Marriott team to add 75 more rooms adjacent to this property, which would include an entertainment complex featuring fast food hubs, ATM banking, a rooftop bar and a proposed casino.

Assuring those at the ceremony that this investment is only the beginning for his company, the CEO announced that Basso Group has secured the franchise for the Staybridge Suites Hotel under the Intercontinental Hotels Group. He noted lease for the land has been secured and it will be situated along the Heroes Highway near the oil and gas hub. The hotel is said to host 130 rooms and works are expected to commence early 2026.

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• Bassoo Group, Courtyard, Marriott hotel, President Irfaan Ali

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