St. George’s Cathedral is badly in need of repairs

Jan 06, 2015 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
I pass the St. Georges Cathedral on a daily basis. I do believe that knowing that this famous landmark is standing there we tend to take its presence for granted – especially in the everyday hustle, bustle, rush and stifling congestion. It was the latter situation that caused me to be stalled in traffic during the busy Christmas season, and this allowed me to take a good look at this iconic structure after a long time. I was appalled at its condition.
The St. George’s Cathedral is badly in need of repairs and refurbishing. I expected it to be in the very best of condition given its prominence and the fact that almost every promotional material of Guyana carries a very sparkling picture of same – pictures that I now know are not only digitally enhanced, but are also circulated on social online sites by folks who haven’t returned home in years, if ever at all.
I am further shocked that while this building is being used in all our marketing paraphernalia, there is not a cry for funding of its restoration. I can only hope that unlike the Regent Street church, this landmark will not become derelict and eventually sold off.
We all acknowledge that this building belongs to a church organization. However it also forms a part of our history, culture and identity. Having said this, it should be considered one of our heritage buildings that needs to be protected. Even if it means an investment from the country’s coffers, via a parliamentary process of course, to preserve.
I strongly believe that this and what’s left of our colonial structures should come under the protection of a Heritage Authority with a legal mandate and also protected by government. In some of our Caricom neighbours such a policy exists, obviously with much more in terms of specifications that are more conducive to their local situation. What I do know is that the buildings can change ownership, but cannot be altered or changed.
I would like to emphasise that I am not advocating that the St. George’s Cathedral be sold, but more so be protected by Government, citizens and stakeholders who market same as one of the many tourist attractions of Guyana. The present condition of the cathedral can be regarded as shameful, not for the church but for the entire country. This and the remaining structures need serious intervention to be preserved and to prevail going forward.
Fibyan Denny

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St. George’s Cathedral is badly in need of repairs

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