The Residence Inn, located at R8 Eping Avenue Bel Air Park, Georgetown, was officially declared open by President Bharrat Jagdeo at a cocktail reception complemented by a spectacular poolside, fashion show ‘Simply Irresistible 2’ hosted by Sonia Noel.

President Jagdeo in his address hailed Roraima Group of Companies head, Captain Gerry Gouveia, as a positive and patriotic Guyanese, and signalled his interest in working with individuals portraying similar characteristics.

The President recalled that in 2001 at a Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Trinidad, disparaging remarks with many distortions were made about Guyana. Gouveia, he remembered stood up and defended the country.

President Jagdeo issued a call for more such patriotic citizens noting that even though Trinidad has at least two kidnapping each day, the Trinidadians are fierce defenders of their country.

The high profile event attracted key players in the Tourism Industry and business sector, Mayor Hamilton Green; Minister of Tourism Manzoor Nadir: Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Yesu Persaud and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Executive Director of the Guyana Tourism Agency, Donald Sinclair stated that this achievement brings cheer to the Tourism Association and the gesture adds capacity to the Tourism Industry at a very important time. Pointing to the recent announcement of Guyana hosting the 2007 World Cup, Sinclair is optimistic that he will attend similar launchings over the next two years.

Executive Director of Tourism Association of Guyana (THAG), Indira Anandjit described Gouveia as a man with a vision who puts his mouth where his money is and lauded his contribution to the tourism sector.

The pilot was hailed as an outstanding Guyanese by Private Sector Commission Chairman Mr. Yesu Persaud and as a patriot by His Worship the Mayor Hamilton Green.

In his opening remarks, Gouveia reflected on the majestic beauty of Mount Roraima, which left a lasting impression on him as, hence the name of his business.

He related to the guests that he was fascinated the first time he saw the mountain. The entrepreneur pointed out that some 500 waterfalls sprout from the mountain and he is disappointed that Guyana is not maximising its claim on part of the mountain.

“We have ignored a magnificent part of our country,” he told the gathering.

Master of Ceremonies Major General (retd) Norman Mc Lean lauded Mrs. Debra Gouveia for the role she has played with her husband.

Roraima Residence Inn is the newest addition to the Roraima Group. The eleven-room boutique hotel is located in the residential community of Bel Air Park and housed within the Roraima Complex.

The Complex is composed of Roraima Airways, Roraima International Travel Agency; Roraima Tours; Arrowpoint Nature Resort and Roraima Medivac Services.

The hotel offers all modern amenities including air-conditioned rooms, fully equipped mini bars, refrigerators, and microwaves, coffee-makers, satellite-fed televisions, queen-size beds and high speed internet access.

The hotel boasts a grand poolside, bar fitness centre and restaurant (Café Tepuy). Visitors also have the option of the third floor roof garden which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city, best enjoyed at sunset and on moonlit nights.

According to Boutique Lodging International, leisure and business travellers in search of a home away from home are getting hooked on the boutique lodging alternative.

“These small luxury hotels and resorts are travellers' havens with individual personalities - eclectic hotels with bright splashes of colour and whimsical designs, quaint hotels housed in historic urban buildings or romantic resorts with flowering gardens and beachside villas” the Company noted.