BEYOND THE RUNWAY: Launch of Four Points by Sheraton Guyana

May 03, 2026 Features / Columnists, News

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…A Story of Pride, Place, and People

By Sonia Noel

(Kaieteur News) – There are moments when you attend an event expecting to observe a space, but you leave having experienced something deeper. That was my experience at the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton Guyana.

Yes, it is a beautiful property and an important addition to Guyana’s growing hospitality sector. But what stayed with me was not only the design or the occasion. It was the people, the pride, and the sense of belonging that I witnessed throughout the evening.

I had the opportunity to visit the property about a month before its official opening. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I was impressed. It is spacious, yet warm and welcoming. That blend is not easy to achieve. Large spaces can often feel distant, but here there is an intentional softness that invites you in.

What stood out most was the thoughtful incorporation of indigenous design elements. At the reception and throughout the interiors, you see the beauty of our heritage reflected in subtle but meaningful ways. It is not overwhelming, but it is present. It ensures that Guyana is not just a location, but an identity woven into the experience.

As a creative, I am always drawn to spaces that honor culture while embracing modernity. This property does that with intention and respect.

I am also looking forward to the development of the gift shop within the property. For many visitors who come to Guyana for conferences and business engagements, there is often very little time to explore beyond their schedules. A thoughtfully curated gift shop provides an opportunity for guests to take a piece of Guyana with them.

I envision a space that showcases local craftsmanship, not only jewelry and clothing, but also locally made products that reflect our culture, our creativity, and our story. It becomes more than a retail space. It becomes an extension of our identity and an opportunity for local entrepreneurs and artisans to be seen on a wider stage.

But what truly defined my experience that evening was an unexpected encounter.

As I was entering, I heard someone call out, “Miss Noel.” I turned and saw a familiar face, one I had not seen in years. It was Racquel, someone who had once been part of my Confident Becomes You programme. At that time, she was navigating challenges, finding her way, and working through her own journey.

Now, standing before me, she was radiant.

She was in her chef’s uniform, and there was a confidence about her that immediately stood out. We embraced, and in that moment, I could see the growth. Not just in her appearance, but in her spirit.

She shared with me that when she first started, she referred to herself as a cook. But within this environment, she was affirmed and addressed as a chef. That shift mattered. It changed how she saw herself.

She said it was the first time she had worked in a place where she felt truly respected.

Those words stayed with me.

Later in the evening, after the formal proceedings, we moved to the poolside. Racquel had left earlier, and then she returned, having changed out of her chef’s uniform. She came back beautifully dressed, elegant, confident, and glowing. It was the most beautiful I had ever seen her.

She said to me, “I came back because I wanted to spend some time with you, Miss Noel.”

In that moment, the connection went beyond the event. It became personal.

As we spoke, she shared how much those earlier moments of encouragement had made a difference in her life. It was a reminder that what we pour into others does not disappear. It grows, it evolves, and it shows up in moments like these.

Throughout the evening, I watched her interact with others. Each time she introduced herself, she did so with pride. “I am one of the chefs here.” There was ownership in her voice. There was confidence.

At one point, someone asked about the food, and she spoke proudly about the dishes she prepares, including local favorites. That sense of pride is something you cannot teach overnight. It is cultivated.

When people feel valued, they show up differently.

This reflects something I have long believed and actively practice through my Joy at Work programme. It is built on the understanding that when individuals feel seen, respected, and appreciated, they bring a different level of energy into their work. They engage more deeply. They take pride in what they do. They feel a sense of belonging.

Creating that kind of environment requires intention. It requires leadership that connects, cultures that uplift, and systems that recognize people not just for what they do, but for who they are.

I have seen this kind of leadership before.

In Guyana, through leaders such as Stanley Ming of Ming’s Products and Services, and in Egon’ leadership at the Marriott Suriname, there is a consistent thread. From the individuals responsible for maintaining the space to those in executive leadership, there is a sense of dignity and respect that is shared across all levels.

That consistency is powerful.

It sends a clear message that every role matters, every individual is valued, and every contribution is recognized. When that becomes part of the culture, it transforms not only the workplace, but the people within it.

This is why experiences like the launch of the Four Points by Sheraton Guyana are so important. They demonstrate what is possible when vision, leadership, and people come together in alignment.

It becomes more than a moment. It becomes a model. One that can be built on, expanded, and experienced across different spaces and regions.

It reminds us that excellence is not confined to one place. It can be cultivated, shared, and experienced across borders.

It was also a pleasure to see familiar faces within the team. Imarah Radix, who many would remember from Miss Guyana, is part of the sales and marketing team and continues to reflect warmth, professionalism, and grace. It was also wonderful to reconnect with my friend from Suriname, Natascha Derandamie, who will be joining as Director of Sales and Marketing.

Seeing these connections come together speaks to the level of collaboration and growth occurring within our country.

Yes, the infrastructure is impressive, and the hotel will play an important role in hosting conferences and supporting Guyana’s continued development. These are critical as we position ourselves globally and welcome more international engagement.

But beyond the physical space, something else is being built.

A culture.

A culture where people can grow, evolve, and step into a greater sense of identity. Where someone moves from saying “I am a cook” to confidently declaring “I am a chef.”

That shift matters.

I also appreciated the culinary experience. I had the opportunity to taste a chicken puff with a curry flavor, which reflected a thoughtful blending of influences. It is encouraging to see efforts being made to incorporate local flavors while maintaining international standards.

I extend my congratulations to the owner, Mauricio Van Dam, and General Manager, Joerg Delin, along with the entire team, for bringing this vision to life. What has been created is not just a hotel, but a space of opportunity and possibility.

I look forward to seeing its continued growth and impact, and I can already envision hosting one of my fashion events there in the future.

As I reflect on the evening, what stayed with me most was not the grandeur, but the humanity. It was seeing someone step into confidence and pride. It was witnessing what happens when people are placed in environments that affirm them.

The Four Points by Sheraton Guyana represents growth, opportunity, and possibility. But more than that, it shows what can happen when excellence meets intention and people are empowered to thrive.

Let us continue to foster environments of care and support for others, as we celebrate this beautiful journey called life beyond the runway.

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• Beyond the Runway, Four Points by Sheraton Guyana, hospitality, Sonia Noel

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