Latest update November 15th, 2024 1:00 AM
$50M Tipperary Hall commissioned
By Latoya Giles
“To add to our illustrious line of sons and daughters who all the time gave their best that you may shine for Buxton, my own native land,” reads the last verse of the Buxton battle song. This was pertinent to the event that took place in the East Coast Demerara community yesterday.
President Donald Ramotar cuts the ceremonial ribbon
President Donald Ramotar commissioned the newly-built Tipperary Hall Community Centre, which cost a whopping $50M.
It was just two years ago when the then president Bharrat Jagdeo made a promise to Buxton to have the famous landmark rebuilt thus enabling it to once again be of service to the community.
President Ramotar in his address yesterday said that the facility was being opened at a time when the country’s challenges are tremendous. “We ourselves don’t have control over them, but we need to be prepared.”
Ramotar asserted that Tipperary Hall is extremely important since it has played a pertinent role in the country’s history.
He said that the new hall must now be used in educational advancement. “We must have educational programmes… train our young people and teach them the tools for the working environment.”
The President opined that the investment by government along with community efforts would accomplish this role He urged that the persons left in charge of the facility would ensure that it is used primarily for “building our human capital”.
Ramotar stressed that he would “continue to lend support to Buxton since the community plays a part in Guyana’s rich history. The people should endeavour to understand our country’s culture, since there is far more that unites us than divides us.”
Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman, in brief remarks, said that it was extremely important for him to be present to “celebrate with the Buxtonians”. He further stated that “it is time to recall and revise Buxton, and it must not be done single-handedly, but together”.
Trotman also pledged that in whatever way he could contribute to the community, he would.
The event was graced with the presence of a number of Government officials including Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.
The Buxton\Friendship steelband, which was formed by youth in the two communities, entertained the large gathering.
Tipperary Hall, which was a popular landmark at Buxton, lapsed into disuse in 1998. The building was primarily used by residents of the community for social and cultural events. Tipperary Hall was built in 1909. The building was made of timber. In 1911 it was registered as a burial society.
The newly built Tipperary Hall
The initial use of the building was expanded to include social, cultural and educational activities for the people of Buxton, Friendship and its environs.
The upper flat of the concrete two-storey edifice is finished and the water system is functional. Other additions will include an auditorium with stage, library and kitchen for Home Economics classes, an Information Technology laboratory, administrative office and sanitary block.
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