Gov’t soon to ink contract for reconstruction of Umana Yana

TIMES INT'L
The Umana Yana before it was completely destroyed by fire last year
The Umana Yana before it was completely destroyed by fire last year

Government is hoping to have the reconstruction of the iconic Umana Yana begin by the second half of this year. Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said the Amerindian Affairs Ministry will soon sign a contract to this effect.  Last September, a fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the prestigious landmark.

The Umana Yana, which was built in 1972, was a historical structure, and one of Guyana’s most famous landmarks having appeared on the cover of several magazines and publications.  The edifice was erected for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Georgetown. Thereafter, it served as a VIP Lounge and recreation centre. It was a permanent and much admired part of Georgetown’s scenery, and was constantly used as an exhibition and conference centre. Fashioned like the Wai Wai benabs or shelters which are found deep in Guyana’s interior, it occupied an area of 460 square metres.

As a result, it was the largest structure of its kind in Guyana. It stood about 55 feet (16.78 metres) high and was made from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nibbi vines, all of which are found in Guyana’s interior.

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