Belgium envoy meets Mayor Green

Mar 28, 2009 News

City Mayor Hamilton Green (right) and Ambassador Leopold Carrewyn in conversation

Major emphasis was place on the rehabilitation of historic buildings yesterday when Ambassador-designate of Belgium, Leopold Carrewyn, paid a courtesy call on City Mayor Hamilton Green.
During the visit the City Mayor informed the Ambassador that enough resources have not been placed into the restoration of buildings such as City Hall. The Mayor has on numerous occasions, regarded the Municipal facility as a heritage site which is literally and metaphorically crying out for rehabilitation and repair.

According to the Mayor it is a well-researched fact that rehabilitating the Municipality to its former state would cost a lot more than simply pulling it down and replacing it with modern materials.
He however, noted that efforts are being made to retain the ambience of the original structure.
“We don’t want to put zinc sheets on the roof. We are trying to source the original slates of a particular type that were there from the inception.”

Rehabilitating City Hall is also challenged by the fact that over the past 10 years there has been an international campaign against asbestos materials in buildings, Mayor Green said, adding that many buildings such as those at City Hall contain asbestos materials.
The two officials also engaged conversation about the current economic crisis even as they considered forming a sister city relationship.
It was only a few days ago that the Ambassador had presented his letters of credence to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who is performing the duties of Head of State.
The Belguim envoy also has diplomatic responsibilities in Suriname and Venezuela where he is stationed. He also represents 13 Caribbean Islands.