As work begins on the foundation of the new Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, officials involved in the reconstruction are warning members of the public to be wary of confidence tricksters who have been soliciting funds in the name of the church to put to their own use.
According to a press release, parishioner, Ramsay Ali, who is spearheading fundraising activities for the reconstruction said church officials have been receiving reports of confidence tricksters soliciting funds from the public for the reconstruction efforts. “I would like to make it clear that no one has been authorized to collect money on the church’s behalf. Anyone making such claims is operating on their own behalf in an attempt to obtain money under false pretence and should be turned over to the police,” Ali was quoted as saying.
Ali said donations can be made at the Bishop’s House, Monday to Friday, 08:00hrs – 12:00hrs and at the Brickdam Presbytery, 28 Brickdam Stabroek, Georgetown, 08:00hrs – 16:00hrs.
Donations can also be made to bank accounts; Republic Bank – account number 268-496-7, Scotia Bank – account number 10006626, Guyana Bank for Trading and Industry (GBTI) – account number 3802530 or the New Building Society (NBS) – account number 134769.
Ali stressed that these are the only authorized avenues established to handle donations. Persons desirous of contributing towards the church’s reconstruction can visit the website; www.sacredheart.gy , email at info@sacredheart.gy, or call 226-4631 for more information.
The project is being undertaken in three phases; the construction of the main church building, the presbytery, and the parish hall. The construction of the main church building is slated to be completed by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, $27 million have been raised so far as part of the estimated total cost of $85 million. Prior to the sod turning, $10 million was spent on clearing the burnt-out site and erecting a fence completely around the compound.
