…board chairman says all options were explored

ALL options were explored before the decision was taken to demolish the St. Rose’s School, Church Street, Chairman of the Board of Governors Kenrick Thomas said, while emphasising that the decision is in the best interest of the students.

The demolition of the School’s timber building facing Church Street will commence shortly, paving way for a modern building to be erected.

“This decision was taken only after extensive consultations over many years to determine the viability of retaining this edifice because of its historical importance and architectural integrity. After much deliberation and with the primary goal being to provide a safe, up to date and innovative building for the development of our students, and only after exploring every option to preserve the building was the decision unhappily taken to demolish the structure,” Thomas said in a press statement.

He noted that the building has its purpose well and all who have had the opportunity to walk its halls will attest to the very special memories created there.

“Built almost entirely of wood and some one hundred odd years old, the building is now structurally incapable of providing a safe environment for the over 700 students that now utilise the facility,” the Chairman explained while noting that due to the situation the auditorium has not been used as a general meeting hall for the last five years.

The building was evacuated completely during the last year to ensure that there would be no mishaps.

Thomas assured that the replacement structure will incorporate many aspects of the original design and will integrate in it the design of the Marion and other wings on the property including retention of the green space courtyard area, a unique feature of the school.

“The reconstruction is intended to take place immediately following the demolition and the project and is expected to last for approximately 24 months with all demolition and reconstruction companies being selected in accordance with the National Procurement guidelines and procedures,” Thomas stated.

It was noted too that during the deliberations over the last several years, the Board of Governors consulted all relevant stakeholders including the Nuns of the Convent, the Parent Teachers Association, the Alumni Associations, students, teachers, the National Trust, the Education Ministry, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and the Finance Ministry of Finance.

Thomas said when presented with the evidence, all agreed that the tough decision ought to be taken and incorporate the very best of modern design and “green” architectural approaches for a building that will stand as an example for future educational design in Guyana.

Tenders were put out regionally and the winning bid went to a Trinidadian firm with strong Guyanese roots for the architectural design and consulting services. Guyanese born Orin Hinds is a member of the Team representing Bynoe, Rowe & Wiltshire, the partnership entrusted with designing, providing the relevant documents, managing and overseeing the project’s execution and delivery of the final agreed replacement building.

Additionally, the Board of Governors is also utilizing independent engineers to ensure the delivery of the agreed final design which would take into full account the aesthetics in keeping with the expectations of the stakeholders, the history of the existing structure and adherence to current local and international environmental and building codes and standards.

The faculty and students will be relocated to various safe areas on the School’s premises away from the cordoned construction area.