City Hall . Georgetown. Guyana
It is entirely possible that there is a point to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) once again deeming City Hall hazardous, but it is certainly very murky. For one thing, the heritage building is over 130 years old. Not that there is anything wrong with that per se, there are older buildings in this country and around the world that are not only still standing, but are in superlative condition. Sadly, that is not something anyone can say about City Hall. For another, while its faulty electrical wiring is definitely a fire hazard, this finding had already been made by the GFS so why is there need for repetition?
Mr Marlon Gentle, who was the fire chief at the time, had warned that there should be no mass gatherings at City Hall. He had cited 18 major issues of concern that were revealed during the inspection. They included, but were not limited to, loose and hanging electrical wires and a wiring system which had not been upgraded in over a century, a fire escape that was out of order, a leaking roof and severely deteriorated sections of flooring and support beams. The then fire chief was no doubt concerned over the fact that traditionally, political parties presenting their lists did so amidst a throng of supporters.
Mr Gentle’s advice, as everyone is well aware, was disregarded. No less a personage than Attorney-at-law Raphael Trotman, then co-chair of the APNU+AFC campaign, had told the media that while “all Guyanese are concerned about the overall state of City Hall,” and his party had “noted” Mr Gentle’s concerns, he was sure the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) would “do nothing to endanger any life and limb as it fulfils its mandate”. The ludicrousness of Mr Trotman placing assurances from Gecom (if that was indeed the case) above warnings from a trained fire chief will never grow old.
Instead, in 2017, the European Union (EU) funded a study for a Comprehensive Restoration and Sustainable Conservation Management Plan that cost €79,196 ($64 million).
In 2018 a workshop was held in May, where the National Trust of Guyana, British Conservation Architect Francis Maude and British Conservation Engineer Ed Morton engaged stakeholders on what needed to be done to save not just City Hall, but also the City Engineer’s building which is of similar historic value.
It is now 2021 and that administrative building is still to be completed. Last month, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development handed over a $30 million cheque to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) towards its completion. It was not stated whether the $75 million previously allocated had already been received and spent. Is the $30 million part of that original allocation or additional funds? At the handing over of the cheque it was also reported that the M&CC was spending an additional $50 million on the building. Though where it will get that sum of money from is anyone’s guess. The end of this year has now been given as the completion date for this project.
One expects then that sometime in 2022, City Hall’s restoration will begin with the $100 million pledged by the current government and announced by Minister of Local Government Nigel Dharamlall early this year. But no one should wait until then to exhale. Lest we forget, this same PPP/C, while in government in April 2014 had pledged $200 million for restoration of the City Hall that was never forthcoming.
It has been said that one of the ways to take the measure of a country is to listen to the heartbeat of its cities. There is no doubt that the pulse of a city speaks to its survival and that of its cultural heritage. The disregard for Georgetown’s built heritage has surely led to clogged arteries and a weakened pulse. But perhaps recovery is in sight. One can only hope.
Comments
Georgetown’s City Hall Building is an architectural jewel and preserving it for future generations is a national duty. The Guyanese tourist industry should spearhead the efforts to renovated this historical landmark.
This is one of the glaring omissions by Guyanese. Many Caribbean islands and other Hispanic tourists areas highlight their historical buildings and birthplaces of their residents with international fame. Surprisingly popular. I agree.
I am dreaming of a fully restored Georgetown city center, which includes historic government buildings, private homes, and tree-lined streets. This would qualify Georgetown as a UNESCO World Heritage site!
And just imaging how many jobs such a restoration project would generate for young Guyanese! A win-win situation!
“They” better get on this quickly, even w/o the UNESCO. Georgetown is being replaced with “Chinese Boxes” one look at any Guyanese Video, you will not be able to recognize much of the past. I remember when we were #1…so sad.
Brandi: Dream on. I’ve given up. Those who were middle class and privileged appreciate what we had. Those who came to tear down the symbols of such “privilege”, themselves having lived only to serve the former, had more pressing issues like “making a quick buck” as the Min. of Labour opined was the concern of the youth, and no time for the finer points of our civic heritage. The addition of oil money doesn’t shift the equation one iota. Those who valued the beauty of our surroundings, could afford to leave and did. The culture and management of city maintenance has disappeared. The ensuring years of hand to mouth existence left no time for the finer points of life. Where there is some restoration, we can count that situation fortunate. From what I can see..the statements are made in concrete and garish colours…and with the country set to shift in different directions from migrants from far and wide, the old will disappear. So be it. All my and our wishful thinking will avail nothing because the Government really doesn’t care to hear from us. I wish someone could tell me otherwise.
JoE, I understand from where you are coming from. My hope rests with people back in Guyana that run the Moray House Trust. This organisation is run by amazing people that a dedicated to preserve the history and architecture of Guyana. Thanks to Cyril Bryant of Guyanese Online, we get informed about their highly interesting events such this recent one:
https://guyaneseonline.net/2021/05/21/moray-house-trust-georgetowns-great-houses-by-wayne-mc-watt-may-22-2021-5pm-est/
As long as there are knowledgable people back in Georgetown, we should help and support their efforts to preserve and restore the historic center of Georgetown. I also believe that there are people in government, who understand that by doing so you raise the pride of Guyanese for their country and history.
Let’s be optimistic!
Looks like the age old question what is the value of “Art and Culture” In countries where their culture is maintained, it is usually because it is used and honored in schools, all media…
Maintaining the continuation is a responsibility of every younger generation, which today means fighting against rich powerful companies and countries, the ones controlling International Media. Looking around it would seem an impossible task, especially when the few working so hard to maintain the Culture are branded as Elites.
Brandli62: Moray Trust is a beacon for us and those at home who listen to its presentations. But as far as I know..some of the people involved don’t live in Guyana. In particular, McWatt’s work is truly a dedication of love. He visits but doesn’t live there. There’s also Alysson Stoll who I think is now in the US. (I stand to be corrected.) As far as I’m aware, the mother lode of information is there…but here’s the rub…there is no direct influence on any Min. of Govt. from the PM down to give a hoot one way or another. Bulkan, the last Municipal Affairs Min. was almost invisible in his portfolio. The City Hall office holders are a waste of time. Those are the facts on the ground. However, at least McWatt’s work should stand the test of time. For that I’m grateful.
JoE, many thanks for you insightful comments about Moray House Trust. Unfortunately, I cannot provide any answers to your questions about Moray House Trust. I am just impressed with their work and documentaries of Guyanese history and heritage. I hope they continue with their work.