By Dillon Goring
BISHOP of the Anglican Diocese of Guyana and Suriname, the Rt Revd Charles Davidson, has disclosed that an additional $150 to $ 175 million will be needed for the restoration of the main roof of the St. George’s Cathedral.

During a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the Bishop explained that the structure’s roofing, except the main portion, is complete.
According to the Bishop, nothing has been done and no one has been contracted to begin works on the main roof, which includes the ceiling.
It is unclear when the main roof will be completed, since the cost is unknown.

“We do not know the cost of that on paper. We are having people who are telling us it might be $150M million or $ 175 million, but we do not know,” he said.
The Bishop revealed that information about the completion of the renovation works on this iconic structure remains unclear. The exterior and interior walls have all been restored.
He explained that the issue with all restoration projects has to do with the availability of money and with this particular project, the Diocese of Guyana has provided most, while the National Trust, under which the structure falls, has provided a reasonable sum.

Between the years 2018 and 2019, the National Trust of Guyana provided funding to replace the glass on the building.
Over the years, money has been collected by the church for its restoration fund. Some of that money was used for the restoration expenses.
Additionally, Rev. Davidson mentioned that the compound is in need of fencing considering the many misfortunates that have occurred and given that persons are using the Cathedral for reasons other than its intended purpose. He stressed on the need to preserve this heritage building.

The National Trust of Guyana is an organisation that plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the country’s national patrimony is preserved. Heritage buildings such as the St George’s Cathedral and City Hall are safeguarded by the National Trust.