President Ali Hails Soma Hotel as a Symbol of Progress and Community Vision
The newly opened Soma Hotel has been unveiled as one of Guyana’s latest landmarks of progress, blending modern hospitality with deep local investment and pride.
Delivering the feature address at the launch ceremony, President Dr. Irfaan Ali praised the project as a powerful reflection of community courage, collaboration, and commitment to Guyana’s ongoing transformation.
“I am not here only because of this hotel. I am here because of this community — a community that took the risk, embraced a vision, and worked relentlessly to build what we all see here today,” the President stated.
Outlining Guyana’s broader Vision 2030 development agenda, President Ali announced ambitious plans for expanded gold production by 2027, new exploration results between 2029 and 2030, and significant investment in health, education, technology, and tourism.
“Accompanying all of that will be the buildout of a world-class healthcare system, education system, infrastructure, and food system — one that will feed the entire region,” he emphasized.
The Head of State urged citizens to remain grounded in culture, humility, and hospitality, describing these qualities as “the binding spirit of growth and development.” He also encouraged bold and calculated risk-taking, noting that “everything in life requires bold thinking.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Lars Mangal, one of Soma’s project developers, said the hotel was envisioned to be “more than just a hotel.”
“When we first imagined Soma, we wanted to create a place of purpose — a hub that supports Guyana’s most important industrial zones and serves both local and international guests,” Mangal explained.
The facility’s operations are expected to serve Guyana’s expanding offshore oil and gas industry while simultaneously promoting tourism and business development. The name “Soma,” Mangal noted, symbolizes family legacy, continuity, and long-term national growth.
Meanwhile, Chief Investment Officer Peter Ramsaroop commended the developers for leading by example through local investment, calling the project a testament to the nation’s evolving economy.
“This is an example of the kind of infrastructure that came early on when we discovered oil,” Ramsaroop said. “But oil is just the catalyst — Guyana is more than oil.”
With its focus on quality service, local collaboration, and national pride, the Soma Hotel is expected to become a cornerstone of Guyana’s hospitality sector, symbolizing the country’s steady march toward a modern, prosperous future.
