The Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) will once again open its doors to host events after undergoing rehabilitation works for the past two years.
The Conference Centre, which would host events like international summits, regional conferences, award ceremonies and graduations, had been showing signs of deterioration. It was reported that staff members had noticed cracks in the ceiling, uneven flooring, broken tiles and issues with the underground insulation system. As such, the facility was closed in December of 2016 with the safety of staff and patrons in mind.
Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes explained the need for works was timely since it coincided with the due date for renovations that was agreed upon before the building’s construction. “An agreement was signed between the Guyana Government and the People’s Republic of China, one of the stipulations in the agreement was that the Chinese contractor that constructed the Centre would have to carry out repairs and maintenance after 10 years of use,” Hughes stated.
When questioned about Guyana’s financial obligation for the ongoing works, Minister Hughes explained that the initial project and subsequent rehabilitation were the financial responsibility of the Chinese Government and the Chinese company that constructed the building.
She said, “The first time this building was constructed, [it] was completely funded by the Chinese Government, and I want you to know that the complete rehabilitation project was once again funded by the Chinese Government.”
The conference facility has not only been rehabilitated, but would also see a number of improvements and technological upgrades. “The main conference hall will be equipped with a digital conference system that can accommodate three languages spoken simultaneously, 372 new theatre chairs, video matrix switcher, LED screens and overhead projectors,” ACCC General Manager Nancomar Ramdial said.
The much-anticipated completion is scheduled for May 27, 2018. The elated General Manager noted that major companies have already expressed interest in utilising the facilities as early as June. “The final date for completion of all works is May 27, right on the 18-month schedule and the Centre already has bookings from June of this year to the first quarter of 2019,” Ramdial disclosed.
The newly-renovated Centre boasts a main conference hall, eastern and western conference rooms- which can be divided into smaller rooms, business centre, conference secretariat, computer lab, first aid clinic, dining hall and kitchen.
What was initially named the Guyana International Conference Centre was unveiled on February 16, 2006 and saw 13 conferences in its first year. That number grew to 114 by 2016. The facility was later renamed the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in 2015, to honour the legacy of Guyana’s first President, Arthur Chung, who served from 1970 to 1980.
