Secondary school students tour Prime Minister’s official residence

GINA, GUYANA, Friday, September 16, 2016

Students of several secondary schools in Georgetown were the first to visit the official residence of the Prime Minister as the Heritage Building was today, officially opened.

The teachers and students of the Bel Air Primary, Central High and Cummings Lodge Secondary schools were greeted by Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, wife of the Prime Minister upon their arrival at the Main Street, Heritage Building.

“I think it is only fitting that we allow our children to come in and walk through and see what a heritage building looks like… this is education month, and I think if the children had the opportunity they are now having to visit this residence, they will be having the opportunity to view a lot of antique items and they will get to understand more about their history,” Mrs. Nagamootoo told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Mrs. Nagamootoo, who is an educator and former lecturer of the Cyril Potter College of Education, told GINA that visitors are in for a historic treat with photographs and paintings of historic buildings, sites and monuments in Guyana.

“There is a lot of history around here that the children can pick up bits and pieces. I hope they will enjoy the visit. We will continue to open the building for schools and other institutions to come in and visit,” she said.

The building was constructed in the 19th century for the use of Mr. Sandbach Parker. It was purchased by Bookers Brothers limited in 1911; in 1962 it was acquired by the British Government and became the home of the British High Commissioner. Finally in 1987 it was acquired by the Government of Guyana.

It is the first time in many years that the official residence of the Prime Minister is open to the public for viewing of its heritage significance.

The official residence of the President, State House, and the official residence of the Prime Minister are two heritage buildings along with several others located along Main Street, Georgetown, a route which the Government intends to have registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The coalition government has heightened focus on preserving Guyana’s heritage. The country’s many national buildings have their origin in the periods of Dutch, English and French occupation.

Georgetown has many beautiful wooden buildings built in old colonial styles, reminiscent of those who occupied the territory.