Talks in progress for restoration of lighthouse
Minister of Public Infrastructure, Honourable David Patterson (second left) and Minister within the Ministry, Honourable Annette Ferguson (second right) with United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway first left) following the tour of the Georgetown Lighthouse
Minister of Public Infrastructure, Honourable David Patterson (second left) and Minister within the Ministry, Honourable Annette Ferguson (second right) with United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway first left) following the tour of the Georgetown Lighthouse

DSCN2442The Ministers of Public Infrastructure on Monday, January 18 met with United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway for a tour of the Georgetown Lighthouse, with the hope of partnering for the restoration of the historical landmark.

A release from the Ministry noted that the tour was a part of the U.S.’s commitment to the preservation of historical sites in Guyana, under the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Ministers of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Annette Ferguson, accompanied Ambassador Holloway up all of the lighthouse’s 138 steps.

It was noted that during the tour, Ambassador Holloway expressed pleasure with the landmark and marvelled at its ingenuity and resilience. He also had all of his questions answered by Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) Harbour Master Michael Tennant and MARAD Director General, Claudette Rogers, who were also present.

According to the release, Ministers Patterson and Ferguson shared that they were “quite pleased” with the Ambassador’s interest in restoring the Georgetown Lighthouse and said that they were excited to see where the partnership would head.

It was noted that the Ministers had initially met with Ambassador Holloway last week where proposed designs for the upgrade of the lighthouse were discussed.

Ambassador Holloway also indicated that the U.S. Government is also looking at other historical sites in Guyana for possible preservation and restoration.

The 31 metre (103 feet) high lighthouse was originally built as a wooden structure in 1817 by the Dutch, at its current site on Water Street. It was later replaced by brick by British engineers and commissioned in 1830.

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