A few months ago, former international cricketer and West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan became the proud owner of ‘Amazonia Mall’ in Providence, East Ban Demerara after his retirement.
The former West Indies player in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle said he credits his parents, grandparents, and other family members for making sure he always remains humble and polite.
“I believe that you need to be respectful towards people regardless of what you have achieved in life or what job you have.”
Sarwan also said that he is strongly committed to investing in the construction of a shopping mall so that the people of Guyana can experience the benefits earned from cricket.
“I knew at some point in time I had to retire from cricket and I wanted to ensure that I put my earnings into an investment that will be rewarding, but apart from that, I wanted to build a mall so that Guyanese can have an experience that they have never had before.”
Speaking further, Sarawan said that there are setbacks and challenges in the business sector as well as in cricket.
“With discipline, hard work, and dedication, you will be well on your way to achieving what you want to achieve. Like everyone else, I have had setbacks and challenges in my life, both in my cricketing career and with the development of the mall.”
Accordingly, the former West Indies cricketer continues to operate Amazonia Mall to create more jobs for Guyanese through this expansion.
The owner of the Amazonia shopping center held a simple but elegant ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday to open a “new wing” of one of his latest investments in the business.
Sarwan told the Sunday Chronicle that he is very happy to see his vision and hard work for more than 15 years become a reality.
“I am happy that I can contribute to Guyana by providing employment for my fellow countrymen and their families. As Guyana’s economy continues to grow, I feel really proud and happy to know that I have not only contributed in the sports department, but that I am also doing my part to better our society as well.”
“Business is one thing, but making a difference in people’s lives is another and that touches me more than anything else. This mall was always built with a family-oriented type of concept in mind.”
Commenting further, he said that the new wing area will be designed to cater to entertainment in a manner suitable for both children and adults.
“I am trying to cater for everyone’s needs in a safe and secure atmosphere. I was very careful with setting up the bar; I wanted to ensure that kids were not going to be around or exposed to an environment that had alcohol around.”
“So, I had to take my time and design it in such a way that it would not have an impact on the families that are on the outside. I had to ensure that everyone was comfortable.”
Sarwan expressed his gratitude to the current business owners for their patience as new sections are being built in his mall. Also welcomed new business owners and thanked them for joining Amazonia Mall.