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Our Services
Co-founders Andrea and Anthony Archer have the expertise and skill to provide a vast array of services. They take care of any and all reservations and arrangements requested by the group. Services include:
Lodging
Lodging is located in the heart of Georgetown, where Andrea and Anthony stay on location with the group as a “host family.” Groups have two options for lodging.
Barrack Street
Located just minutes from the National Park, the sea wall, the Parliament building, and the Stabroek Market, the lodging at 110 Barrack street is conveniently located within minutes of most sites. The building is also within one block of a police station, Mercy Hospital, and the U.S. Embassy. The 75-year old facility is three-stories tall and is equipped with security cameras and a monitored security and alarm service. Wireless Internet is available for those groups that do not want to “unplug” from technology, or only wish to blog about their experiences (see SMC Guyana 2016 or SMC Guyana 2014 for examples from student groups at Saint Michael's College). Andrea and Anthony have access to the kitchen and cook breakfast and dinner during the week, sometimes contracting out to Damarean's Creole Kitchen (a local restaurant on the first floor) for weekday lunches.
Each group member will have a sleeping space on the third floor (the building can accommodate 18 people and two trip leaders). There are three full bathrooms (toilet, sink and shower), a full kitchen with storage area, and a large common room for dining, meeting space, entertaining, and relaxing. The common room can accommodate up to 30 people comfortably to allow for local guests, and is the perfect setting for group and small conversations.
It should be noted that the facility is of a quality that is slightly higher than what is expected from a youth hostel or mission shelter. The facility is very clean with beautiful hardwood floors and period architecture. The front of the common room has a wall of windows, which allow guests to take advantage of the breeze. Beds, mattresses, and furniture are functional and clean. Bathrooms are clean, with flushing water and working sinks and showers. Fresh, purified bottled water is available from a water cooler.
St. Paul's Retreat Center
Groups can also arrange for accommodations at St. Paul’s Retreat Center, located just a few miles outside Georgetown-proper. Groups can make arrangements through Sister Julie Matthews, President of the Sisters of Mercy, Caribbean. Even when the group makes lodging arrangements through Sister Julie, Andrea and Anthony are happy to provide catering services and arrange any and all details of their trip.
Transportation
Andrea and Anthony arrange transportation from the moment a group arrives in Guyana to the moment they leave the country. Therefore, the hassle and uncertainty of traveling in an unfamiliar country are removed, allowing groups to focus on what is important: people and cultural immersion. The Archers are well acquainted with several reliable bus, van, and taxi services with drivers who are happy to converse with the group during transport. Andrea and Anthony were also able to purchase a previously owned vehicle which may be used as group transportation if necessary.
Catering
Both Andrea and Anthony earned diplomas in Catering and Hospitality Service from the Carnegie School of Home Economics. Anthony has also earned credit in Catering and Home Management from Mercy Wings Vocational Centre. Thus, the two are excellent cooks and provide a vast array of delicious meals. They are more than accommodating to all dietary needs and design their meals, as well as their special treats, around group tastes as well as prepare special treats. At the Barrack Street location, during the week, the restaurant on the first floor of the facility has been contracted to provide lunch. If a group chooses to dine at a local restaurant, the group members are expected to cover their own cost, which can be included in the overall budget. Meals, snacks, refreshments, and bottled, purified water are included as part of the overall budget.
Security
Depending on group size, Andrea and Anthony hire individuals to provide appropriate extra security to ensure the group’s safety-- there are always at least two Guyanese security team members in addition to Andrea and Anthony during any trip from the lodging facility, and security staff always remains with the group at the site locations. Additional security is hired for trips to the market or souvenir shopping.
Should an emergency arise, group members are accompanied to a private hospital. If, for any reason, a group member does not attend an outing, a security team member will remain with that member at the lodging facility.
Security members are carefully screened by Andrea and Anthony. Often, security members are family members or young men who grew up with Anthony at the St. John Bosco orphanage. In addition to ensuring the group’s safety, the staff is on-hand to interact with visitors and discuss the Guyanese culture. They are always happy to join in with music “dj service” or playing games and cards. Both visitors and team members learn from each other and often develop friendships that are maintained through social media sites.
The Archer family strives to provide the best experience for all visiting groups, keeping safety needs the number-one priority. Employees are very familiar with Georgetown and its surrounding areas, and will not bring visitors anywhere that may be considered dangerous. Video surveillance and security alarms are placed at each entrance of the house for added protection. Night time security guards can also be hired if a group wishes. The local police station, Mercy Hospital, and the American Embassy are also all located within one block from the residence. Rest assured that all of your safety needs will be met while visiting in Guyana!