APPROXIMATELY $16.9M has been awarded to PD Contracting for the demolition of the St. Rose’s High School building, Minister of State Joseph Harmon has disclosed.
The multimillion-dollar contract was among three new contracts made public by the minister of state on Thursday during his post-Cabinet media briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Rehabilitation of the Ruimveldt Police Station at the sum of $16.2M and $25.1M for the supply of multimedia equipment for the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) by Digital Technology were the two other contracts awarded.
Minister Harmon explained that the demolition will begin during the Easter Holidays when school is out of session. He said the displaced children will be accommodated in buildings within the school’s compound in the new school.

Chairman of the Board of Governors of St. Rose’s High School, Kenrick Thomas had said that all options were explored before the decision was taken to demolish the school’s timber building which faces Church Street. The demolition will pave the way for a modern building to be erected.

“This decision was taken only after extensive consultations over many years to determine the viability of retaining this edifice because of its historical importance and architectural integrity. After much deliberation and with the primary goal being to provide a safe, up-to-date and innovative building for the development of our students, and only after exploring every option to preserve the building, was the decision unhappily taken to demolish the structure,” Thomas had said.

The building was evacuated completely during the last year to ensure that there would be no mishaps.
Thomas has assured that the replacement structure will incorporate many aspects of the original design and will integrate in it the design of the Marion and other wings on the property, including retention of the green space courtyard area, a unique feature of the school.

“The reconstruction is intended to take place immediately following the demolition and the project and is expected to last for approximately 24 months with all demolition and reconstruction companies being selected in accordance with the National Procurement guidelines and procedures,” Thomas stated.

It was noted too that during the deliberations over the last several years, the Board of Governors consulted all relevant stakeholders, including the Nuns of the Convent, the Parent Teachers Association, the Alumni Associations, students, teachers, the National Trust, the Education Ministry, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and the Ministry of Finance.

Thomas said when presented with the evidence, all agreed that the tough decision ought to be taken and incorporate the very best of modern design and “green” architectural approaches for a building that will stand as an example for future educational design in Guyana.