Those of you who read Stabroek News on the web may have seen in the 12 January issue a report of the announcement made the previous day by the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, that a (Guyana) $ 93.6 million* contract for the reconstruction of the 'administrative block and auditorium' had been awarded to Guyadin Constructing Co. The contract was due to be signed that week. Architectural design work had been carried out by Orin Hinds and Associates, who also have the contract for supervising the project.

Further on in the report it became apparent that the Government had not voted any new money. The 93.6 million comprises 50 million voted in 2000 (unspent, but carried over into the current year by special dispensation) plus 43.6 million 'from the board [of Governors] and other donors'. There is no indication who those 'other donors' might be. The money is evidently to cover the first phase of the reconstruction, vaguely described as a 'new section ... located between the east and west wings and linked by corridors'. It would appear that the new section would house the administrative facilities and staff room(s), but this was not explicitly stated.

The report concludes by reiterating that the complete refurbishment would be carried out in phases, at an estimated cost of G$400 million, scheduled for completion in 2005 (see report on the July 2000 reunion, Newsletter No 22, Sept 2000).

At the time of writing there was no confirmation that the contract had actually been signed.

* G$186 = US$1

 

ARTS CENTRE HOUSED IN FORMER STAFF COTTAGE

The former staff cottages south of the main building have for several years been used as offices etc by the Ministry of Education. One of these has now been refurbished and handed over to the school as an Arts Building. A recent e-mail to the overseas 'chapters' from Board of Governors Chairman Ronald Alli informs us that the Music Department has now moved into the new accommodation which also houses the various musical instruments donated by the Toronto Association (see report, referenced above, in Sept issue). The move will help to alleviate the shortage of space in the surviving wings of the main building.

 

2000 AGM: A YOUNGER COMMITTEE PROFILE WITH A FEMININE TOUCH

Turnout at the AGM, held at the High Commission on 10th November, was marginally better than the previous year-an all time low-with just 23 members and four non-members/ guests attending. John Rafferty was re-elected President, and all ten Vice-Presidents reappointed. What was heartening for the long term future of the Association was the increase in attendance from among the younger members, three of whom were elected to the Management Committee-including our first lady members.