By Thandeka Percival
City Hall, which is the venue for next week’s official nominations by parties contesting the upcoming polls, has been deemed a fire hazard by Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle, who has advised against any mass gatherings at the venue.
“…[I]t is advised that no mass gathering type of activities be held on the premises until the necessary recommendations submitted are implemented,” Gentle wrote to acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, in a letter dated March 20th, 2015. Gentle’s warning was based on a Fire Prevention Inspection that was carried out the same day by the Guyana Fire Service. The inspection, according to Gentle’s letter, revealed 18 major issues of concern. These issues include loose and hanging electrical wires in various parts of the building, a southern fire escape staircase that is out of order, and an aging cracked metal staircase leading to the Council Chamber.
The letter also identified hazards, such as a porous roof, severely deteriorated sections of flooring in the
