National Trust awaits 2021 budget to aid St. George’s Cathedral restoration
The National Trust is awaiting the 2021 budget to continue its support for the completion of the restoration of the St. George’s Cathedral, according to its Chief Executive Officer Nirvana Persaud.
When contacted, Persaud told Stabroek News that the National Trust is in full support of preservation of St. George’s Cathedral. However, in regards to funding, she said that decision is still pending. She noted that the Trust has been a part of the previous projects and will happily contribute to the restoration of the roof but until the 2021 budget is passed, it is unsure of how much could be funded to the project.
A source familiar with the restoration has told this newspaper that the cathedral is currently working toward getting funds and hopes that the National Trust can continue its support as it was very supportive in the first two phases of the restoration.
Some major restoration work was completed in October. Earlier this month, the current Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Guyana and Suriname, Charles Davidson, in an interview with Stabroek News, said that the four-year project cost over $200 million, with $177 million coming from the Diocese of Guyana and Suriname. Although work began in 2017, the project was embarked upon on April 26, 2015 by the late Rt Reverend Cornell Moss DD, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Guyana.
The project was tendered for construction by Dennis Lewis and Associates and it was completed in October of this year. The work done entails the exterior and interior walls being restored, as well as the cathedral undercroft (traditionally a cellar or storage room, often brick-lined and vaulted), electoral upgrades and the replacement of the ceiling.
Bishop Davidson told this newspaper that it is hoped that persons will be generous in giving towards repairing the main roof of the building. This is estimated to cost some $150 million. Interested persons and contributors can donate by calling the Diocese office on telephone number 226-4183.