RESTORE THE TREASURY BUILDINGS

THE COLONIAL ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING

By Duane Arthur

The idea of restoration came about from an observation of the structure of the recently burnt Administrative Building in area of the Ministerial Building.

I have never paid much attention to the Engineering, Architectural Charm and Construction History of Colonial Buildings in capital Kingstown prior to viewing the frame of this structure after the flames were doused during the week following the fire .The French Colonial Type construction to be observed at the site presently paints a vivid picture of the costs and superior building techniques utilized by the builders during its construction.

The basement was used as a Treasury, Administrative Offices whilst there was possibly a Governor's Residence on the upper floors of the property. It is believed that these upper floors would have served as the quarters of the visiting Governor (based in Dominica) prior to the establishment of Government House in Dasent Cottage. It is clear that throughout history this architectural gem has seen uses ranging from; the local offices of Colonial Administration to recent Government offices to most recently a storage unit for Government documents.

After my preliminary viewing i have deduced that the frame of this building is relatively structurally unaffected by the fire .However, there are areas of the foundations where a few stones have been displaced from recent or not so recent activities. Most of which in my humble opinion are not structurally detrimental to the continued use of this building. Notwithstanding, the current exposure of the structure to the seasonal rains we are currently experiencing may serve as a tool to further the case for its demolition;highlighting the period which it has been exposed to the elements prior to a proposal being put forward for its restoration and more importantly its covering during the period during which emergency and other funds are being sought to effect the restoration works.

One can note the attached photos as a reference to the integrity of the stone and brickwork in the foundation and support columns respectively .Subsequent weathering or fire damage has exposed the underlying brickwork covered by some type of render on the interior walls. The craftsmanship of this brickwork is evident on the Southern end of the building opposite the registry. I believe that this brickwork is a testament of the quality of the workmanship, which in my opinion makes it relatively safe to assume our building is structurally sound enough to give us another 150 years in the least with the requisite structural retrofitting and restorative works it currently needs. The proposed method of demolition as outlined in the parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines would be extremely costly in comparison to the value of its restoration under the current circumstances. This building shares some attributes of French Colonial buildings throughout the world namely Quebec and New York, the more popular of these being the Brownstones Townhouses still in existence and active use in the pricier neighbourhoods of modern day New York .These buildings however are aggressively preserved, renovated, remodeled, retrofitted and restored to their previous grandeur by developers and property owners alike. Many of which have historical and intrinsic value beyond their numerical value of US$3 - 5 Million in more favourable real estate markets .Our building ,I believe has served an equal if not substantially greater purpose in comparison as it relates to events , its uses and occupants throughout the course of our nation's history.

Colonial capital Kingstown as is documented was first envisioned and surveyed by the French. Though later we changed hands back and forth between the French and English, our checkered colonial past gave rise to this building among others which are still standing today .Based on my research, I have opined that this building pre-dates the construction period and Architectural flair for which we are renowned," City of Arches “, Which begs to reason that our Governor's House / Government House is the location best suited for a museum in the heart of Colonial Kingstown.

UNESCO has a wide variety of Heritage Programmes under which we (under the umbrella of the National Trust) can acquire funding for the preservation, restoration and sustained development of this National Heritage Project .My convictions in this regard are quietly guarded by the realization that there are proposed plans for the demolition of one of our oldest seats of power, historically significant and architectural treasures. This proposed demolition if not circumvented by efforts led by the St. Vincent National Trust would indicate a monumental failure to preserve our heritage and the mandate as I interpret it of the National Trust.

I further implore the Trust to utilize the facilities available via UNESCO and other similar organisations to acquire firstly emergency funds to facilitate an assessment by professionals not directly affiliated with the membership (National Trust) with a view to ensure perceived objectivity of the Structural, Architectural and Historical reports needed to move towards making this building an edifice of pride in our colonial heritage.