State House being restored to heritage colour, no State funds used

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), like much of civil society and the National Trust, had made its displeasure known when State House was repainted under the former Government. Now, efforts are underway to restore the historical site to its neutral glory.

The official residence of the President of Guyana, which was painted green under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, is currently being painted white, its original colour before 2015.
President Dr Irfaan Ali was asked about the restoration process and the origin of the funds, on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday. According to the President, funds came from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and not the national coffers.
“I know the Private Sector launched an initiative to get State House back to its heritage colour. The PSC wrote officially saying they would like to do this and the officials subsequently gave them the approval,” the President said.
“That’s not Government money. Colour doesn’t matter to me. National institutions matter. And if a national institution by law is expected to be a certain way, then you’re supposed to respect the rule of law,” President Ali added.
Following the coalition’s ascent to office in 2015, it began a repainting frenzy on several public buildings, including what was then the Ministry of the Presidency and, eventually, State House in 2017.
IT also used the colour green, which is the dominant colour of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and APNU. Former President David Granger is the leader of both parties. Whenever he was asked about it, however, Granger had pleaded innocence of any law breaking.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was at the time Opposition Leader, had lambasted the then Government for making repainting of historical buildings its priority. He had described it as a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“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 had said.
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.
At the time, however, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Trust of Guyana, Nirvanie Persaud, had told Guyana Times that the entity was not consulted and that they would be seeking an explanation for the colour change.
“We have not been informed about any change to the colour, or (about) any repairs. We are in discussion with the Ministry of the Presidency,” Persaud had said.
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 and Carmichael Streets, Cummingsburg, Georgetown. The structure is sometimes called Guyana House, and was formerly known as Government House. (G3)