…National Trust registers concerns over non-consultation
…“Guyana is going green” – President
Former President of Guyana and current Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said the recent decision by the Government to arbitrarily repaint sections of State House using the Party’s colour is another senseless act that constitutes a total waste of taxpayers’ money.
Ever since the APNU/AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change) coalition ascended into office, they have been actively repainting several public buildings, including the Ministry of the Presidency, using the colour green, which is the dominant colour of the Peoples National Congress (PNC) and APNU. President David Granger is the leader of both parties.
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo
Commenting on the issue on Saturday, Jagdeo said that painting state buildings in the PNC/APNU colour is not a priority for Guyana.
“It is another senseless act by this Government; a total waste of taxpayers’ money. Painting public buildings in party colours cannot be the priority of our country when many people are looking for jobs or better welfare,” Jagdeo said.
Repair works are currently ongoing at State House, and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust of Guyana, Nirvanie Persaud, told Guyana Times that the entity is in the process of seeking an explanation for the colour change.
President David Granger
The National Trust is responsible for the preservation of monuments and historical sites in Guyana. State House is a historical site, and as such, the National Trust has to be consulted on any change done to the building.
“We have not been informed about any change to the colour, or (about) any repairs. We are in discussion with the Ministry of Presidency,” Persaud said.
Asked on Friday whether State House is going green, President Granger responded, “Guyana is going green,” following which he chuckled.
The National Trust of Guyana was established following the passage of the National Trust Act, No. 7 of 1972. The main responsibility of the National Trust is the preservation of all monuments and historical sites in Guyana.
The National Trust’s website stated that State House, the official residence of the Executive President of Guyana, is located with its main façade facing Main Street, and borders New Market & Carmichael Streets, Cummingsburg, Georgetown. The structure is sometimes addressed as Guyana House, and was formerly known as Government House.
