President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday committed $15M for the restoration of the Theatre Guild.

The government had signalled its support for the ambitious project and President Jagdeo was invited to visit the site. After visiting yesterday he announced that $15M would be allocated to boost the efforts of the Trustees of the Guild who had embarked on a fund raising drive.

Chairman of the Trustees of the Guild, David de Caires thanked President Jagdeo for his “generous” offer and said it would help immensely with the renovation plans. He also said that once the work on the building was completed the Theatre Guild could host events for next year’s Carifesta which is being held in Guyana. The President’s $15M pledge adds to the $21.5M which has already been raised by the Trustees through various means including a telethon. The original budget for the rebuilding has since increased.

When completed the Theatre Guild will be bigger than its predecessor and will contain new features such as a balcony.