on a wider scale

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The construction of the US$52M Marriott Hotel, Casino and Entertainment Complex is now one step closer after the company slated to construct the edifice, Adams Development/Urbahn Association Inc (ADUA) held a scoping exercise at the Umana Yana to record any complaints that the public may have.The session was, however, very poorly attended with only one person lodging a concern.During the session the design and outlay of the new building was illustrated.According to Nat Branco, a representative of the construction company, the building at its highest point will be 10 storeys.According to Branco, the intent of the project is to establish a modern, iconic, state-of-the-art hotel, casino and entertainment complex in Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana, that would become the post-card shot and the pride of the country.“It will be an extensive, secure facility with a wide range of accommodation, entertainment, restaurant and concession offerings, and developed according to the highest international standards…“The complex is expected to attract visitors from abroad, especially the Caribbean, North America and Brazil…It will also provide an excellent accommodation alternative to vacationing Guyanese from overseas…“This project will enable Guyana to host business conferences and become a destination that can be visited for business and pleasure. Situated near the U.S. and Canadian embassies as well as the city’s business district, the hotel will be able to attract both business and leisure customers.”Branco noted that the main compound would consist of a world-class hotel, casino, nightclub, and restaurants, all contained in a single attractively designed building.“The location affords excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean, and Demerara River that it borders is important for river transport into the main eco- tourism areas, while road links make the complex accessible to the central business district and port.”The proposed development will be located on a 6.27 acre parcel of vacant land located in northwest Kingston, Georgetown, contiguous to the Atlantic Ocean and the Demerara River.The total building area of the hotel, casino and entertainment complex, excluding parking, is expected to be 185,000 square feet. The hotel portion of the complex would be approximately 135,000 square feet, consist of 160 rooms and be operated by Marriott International.The casino and entertainment portion of the complex would comprise approximately 50,000 square feet and will be located on three levels.There is to be an average yearly turnover in the first 10 years of approximately US$11M.The project is envisaged to service a minimum of 3.7 million people over the first 10 years.Branco continued to say that the project represented a flagship investment in Guyana’s travel and tourism sector and will establish a state-of-the-art facility with an internationally recognised brand.“In addition to direct employment during construction and operation, on a wider scale, the project is expected to bring economic and social benefits to Georgetown, the immediate and surrounding coastal communities and the national economy.“It will also create downstream economic development through the good and services it would require from local suppliers…Importantly as well, the project will increase Guyana’s accommodation capacity and assist in marketing and promotion of the country as tourist destination.”In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1996, Adam Development/Urbahn Associated Incorporated is required to conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study of the proposed project. Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) has been appointed by the company to conduct the ESIA study.EMC will be mobilising a team of specialists to carry out the necessary environmental and social baseline studies, assess the potential impact assessment of the project and recommend mitigation and management options.The principal objectives of the ESIA are to scope issues and concerns from stakeholders regarding the proposed project that needs to be addressed, document the ecological and socio-economic baseline of the project area, identify and assess potential environmental and social impacts associated with the proposed project, and recommend mitigation measures that would reduce the significance of predicted negative impacts and enhance predicted benefits on all aspects of the surrounding environment.Another objective is to develop a comprehensive Management Plan outlining actions and responsibilities for managing the predicted impacts of the project among others.