One of the two international consultants who were expected in Guyana to assist in the restoration of City Hall has described the building as being in “cardiac arrest” based on a preliminary assessment of the structure.
Ihosvany De Oca Morales and Nigel Renwick, two architects from TVA Consultants, a Grenadian company, met Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and councillors at City Hall yesterday. A preliminary assessment of City Hall was also done by the experts yesterday and the detailed aspect will be done today, Acting City Engineer Lloyd Alleyne said at the press conference.
The consultants are here on a two-day visit to assess the architecture of the building that is rapidly deteriorating and present a report containing their recommendations. Their trip was funded by the private sector but the services of the consultants are free of cost.
Renwick described City Hall as suffering from a cardiac arrest based on their assessment but added that some issues need to be addressed immediately. He also said that they will issue an initial report of straightforward things that can be done to the building to the City Engineer. This is the first time Renwick has come to Guyana and he said he was impressed with some of the buildings he saw.
Morales, on the other hand, said that the principles they use for restoration work in Havana Cuba are universal principles that can be adapted. He also noted that the restoration of City Hall is a peculiar project but added that City Hall is an important icon.
Green said he hopes central government and other agencies come on board to assist in the restoration process because buildings such as City Hall are what make Georgetown charming and significant.
He said that while the consultants were looking at the building, electrical wires at the top of the building began to spark. The wires came into contact with water that was leaking from the roof while the visit was being conducted. The fire service and the Guyana Power and Light were called to the scene. No damage occurred.
The mayor also said that once the report has been presented to the council by the consultants, the cost of the restoration project will be determined. When asked about the involvement of the National Trust and other agencies that are involved in the preservation of national heritage, Green responded that the National Trust is on board and has been attending meetings.
Yet no representative from the National Trust was present at the press conference.
Green told reporters that they have started to apply for funding from the United States Ambassador Funds for Cultural Development, an agency that provides assistance for such projects. This was confirmed by Chase-Green.
Acting former city engineer Bert Carter who was also present at the press briefing, welcomed the consultants’ visit. He said it was a unique privilege because restoration work is not about changing the boards of the building but preserving the intent of the architecture.
