Against the backdrop of Guyana’s expanding tourism landscape and the growing opportunities emerging across Region Two, along the Essequibo Coast, a father-and-son duo is demonstrating that building a legacy for the next generation requires more than conversation; it demands vision, leadership by example and meaningful support.
In an exclusive interview with The El Dorado Beacon, Manager of Ocean Paradise Beach House, Yuvraj Dimitri Ramdatt, fondly known as “Dimi,” explained that the idea of transforming the family’s property into a guest house had first emerged several years ago.
However, he explained that, at the time, the concept remained merely an idea and was never fully pursued.
According to Dimi after he completed school two years ago and graduated from The Bishop’s High School, the conversation took on new meaning.
His father, Mr Devanand Ramdatt, a former Regional Chairman and Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Two, who also served as Regional Executive Officer of Region Three, recognised the importance of creating a strong foundation for him and the rest of the family.
With a hands-on approach to guidance and support, the father and son revisited the earlier idea of developing the property into a beach house, giving birth to what is today known as Ocean Paradise Beach House.
Dimi added that his vision, determination and confidence in both his father’s support and the tourism potential of the Essequibo Coast largely drove the decision to open the Beach House in March.
He said, “Our aim at Ocean Paradise Beach House is to give every guest a true and authentic Essequibo experience, one that embraces natural living, the use of local products and a genuine connection with the community of Zorg and those along the Essequibo Coast.
We wanted to offer a different kind of hospitality experience to Guyanese and international visitors alike.
We are offering visitors a real taste of country life: a safe, secure, clean and tranquil atmosphere where people can come and relax in a different way from the traditional settings they are accustomed to at hotels or similar places.”
Since opening, Dimi noted that the response has exceeded expectations, with the Beach House attracting steady interest and bookings on most weekends.
He also related that the success of the venture has inspired him to look beyond the Essequibo Coast and explore opportunities to introduce similar experiences in other parts of Guyana in the future.
Additionally, the ambitious yet grounded Dimi took the opportunity to encourage his peers to remain positive, believe in themselves and stay committed to their goals.
Whether pursuing business, academics or another path, he explained that success is possible with the right mindset, hard work, focus and determination.
Moreover, with the warmth of a brother who clearly values his two sisters, Dimi acknowledged their occasional support, emphasising that, at its heart, Ocean Paradise Beach House is very much a family affair.
Still, he added that much of the day-to-day effort is shared between him and his father, moments he continues to value and appreciate.
Meanwhile, The El Dorado Beacon also spoke with the proud father, Mr Devanand Ramdatt, who shared that his son had initially expressed an interest in pursuing a career in law.
According to him, while he is fully supportive of that ambition, he also explained to Dimi the importance of building his own independence and creating opportunities beyond a traditional career path.
Mr Ramdatt said, “As a young man, my son had initially wanted to pursue law, and I fully support whatever path he chooses, but I also explained to him that while it is important to qualify himself academically, he must also be decisive about his career and think about creating his own independence.
Dimi can still pursue law, but we had this space available, and I felt it was also important for him to recognise the opportunity before him and begin building something of his own.”
Echoing his son’s vision for Ocean Paradise Beach House, Mr Ramdatt also shared that his experience has reinforced the importance of creating a setting where visitors can unwind, reconnect with nature and enjoy the authenticity of a rustic environment.
He also acknowledged that while many operators within the tourism sector may favour more sophisticated accommodation, he explained that Ocean Paradise Beach House has consciously embraced a different approach, one centred on simplicity, nostalgia and the natural charm of country living.
“We want people to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing environment, and we are close to the beach, so naturally we are capitalising on that,” Ramdatt said.
“We personally accompany our guests to the beach, and we provide life jackets for those who may wish to enter the water while remaining close to shore.”
He continued, “As our visitor numbers increase, we are also exploring lifeguard training, the introduction of water sports and beach equipment to further enhance the overall guest experience.”
Furthermore, Dimi and his father expressed appreciation to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his vision and leadership in advancing Guyana’s development, which they said has created opportunities for citizens like themselves to identify new possibilities and invest in their own future.
According to them, improvements such as a more reliable ferry service have contributed to increased visitor movement to Region Two, allowing Ocean Paradise Beach House and other businesses to benefit from a growing number of local and international visitors, including guests from as far away as the Netherlands.
“Having worked under our beloved leader, President Ali, I must say that I am not surprised by the development taking place in Region Two and across Guyana.
I remember when I resigned from my position as REO, the President was kind enough to ask whether I intended to pursue a new venture, and I told him yes,” Mr Ramdatt recalled.
“After my resignation was accepted, I took Dimi on a tour of the Caribbean, where we were able to observe different tourism models and some of the best practices being used across the region.
I believe that experience opened his eyes to what was possible and became part of the inspiration behind his own journey.
But apart from business, that trip meant much more to me as a father and for him as well.
My years in public office had demanded much of my time, so having the opportunity to travel with my son, spend quality time together and celebrate his CSEC success is something I will forever value.”
The father and son also commended the Ministry of Tourism for its work in Region Two, where Dimi has participated in training programmes facilitated by the ministry.
This type of initiative, they explained, has helped to strengthen his professionalism and better equip him to manage both his guests and the operations at the beach house.
Finally, reflecting on working alongside his son, Mr Ramdatt said that although they belong to different generations and do not always share the same views, they have learned to work through their differences professionally and in the best interest of the business and their guests.
Something he genuinely respects and deeply values.
He also noted that while he has dedicated considerable time and effort to supporting Ocean Paradise Beach House, he understands that building a successful family venture often requires sacrifice, particularly in its early stages.
“As a family, sometimes you have to make sacrifices to allow the business to grow.
The rewards, including the pay cheque, will come in due time,” he said.
It is a philosophy that reflects the wider story behind Ocean Paradise Beach House, one built not only on tourism and entrepreneurship but also on family, patience, shared vision and the determination to create something lasting for the next generation.
