–thanks to arrangement with overseas-based archtectural firm

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport yesterday received the blueprints of the National Cultural Centre from the architecture firm, Norris Mitchell Associates. 

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Alfred King, received the blueprints from Norris Mitchell of Norris Mitchell Associates on behalf of Minister of Culture, Dr. Frank Anthony.
According to the PS, the accounting for all assets, including buildings, is mainly his responsibility, and that a main concern of the Ministry’s is the design and engineering details of the treasured buildings in Guyana, including the National Cultural Centre.
“The National Cultural Centre is indeed an asset to all Guyanese,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary explained that recently they have been trying various avenues to acquire the blueprints of the historic building, in order to facilitate adjustments and modifications.
“We were wondering where we can get all the details as it relates to the design so that we can do some adjustments and … at least look back at of the systems that were in place. We noticed they (building) are aging and will need to do modification from time to time. Only the drawing can help to do those modifications, if you understand the structure,” King stressed.
He expressed his gratitude to Norris Mitchell and his company for repatriating the drawings to the ministry.
Mitchell of the Norris Mitchell Associates said that in 1972, his company was awarded the contract for the construction of the National Cultural Centre on Homestretch Avenue, which was completed in 1976.
He noted that he maintained contact with the Director of Culture, Dr. James Rose, who expressed his interest in the drawings of the National Cultural Centre.
“… an interest was expressed in repatriating the drawing, and I now live in Grenada, they (drawings) were in my office and I said the time had come for Guyana to have the drawings of an important building, so today we are repatriating the drawings to the Ministry of Culture,” he explained.
The decision to erect the Centre was made early in 1971 and Guyanese architects were invited to submit designs for the building in a competition held that year. From the four entries received, the design submitted by Norris Mitchell Associates was selected. After many delays the National Cultural Centre was officially opened on May 16th, 1976.

(By Sandy Agasen)