Sod turned for building of G$60M Tipperary Hall

Buxtonians were encouraged to join the national task of ensuring that those who are trying to stymie development fail. This was done at the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of that village’s historic Tipperary Hall.

Addressing scores gathered at the site on the afternoon of Monday, December 20th, President Bharrat Jagdeo said the reconstruction of the century-old facility represents the “restoration of Guyanese history”. He believes that an understanding of the country’s history is imperative, as it will serve as guidance in correcting the mistakes of the past and paving the way for a better future. The president looked back at the genesis of the division in Guyana, which he linked to the post-colonial era, even as he urged Guyanese to prove the devisive ones wrong. 

“We have a duty to demonstrate to the world that we can overcome all the hate and the suffering that we face…that the sons and daughters of slaves and indentured servants don’t have any chip on their shoulders, that they can manage their country and carve a future out that is just as elaborate and bright for their children as anyone from North America or Europe.” 

Responding to critics’ questions about his government’s sudden interest in the East Coast Demerara community, Jagdeo said: “The day I took office I became the president of all Guyana.” 

He pointed out that, like all other citizens, the people of Buxton have rights to the resources of the country.  “What we are doing here is not on Jagdeo’s benevolence,” he proclaimed. “This is my duty.” 

President Jagdeo was confident that, unlike many buildings which have been constructed in other areas, the Tipperary Hall facility would be fully utilised. Meanwhile, the president’s position was supported by overseas-based Buxtonian Rollo Younge, who urged villagers to reject the demands of those who suggest that the community should not accept government’s assistance.

University of Guyana lecturer and Buxton resident, Barbara Thomas-Holder, urged that her fellow villagers take proper care of the facility, and guard against vandals. “We are the tenants and landlords,” she declared.

In brief remarks, Presidential Advisor on Empowerment, Odinga Lumumba, spoke about the days when Buxton was free of racial prejudices and expressions. He reminisced on the days when he and his best friend, an Indo-Guyanese, would go to each other’s homes to indulge in Indian or Africa dishes whenever they wanted. He urged that this lifestyle be upheld. 

Meanwhile, speaking on other developments in the community, Lumumba said that government will facilitate work on the drains and roads, but this comes at a price.  He said that, in exchange, residents need to go back to their farms and produce. 

The president was accompanied by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, Public Service Minister Jennifer Webster, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, Legal Affairs Minister Charles Ramson Snr, and Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn. Other government officials were also present, and were treated to cultural items, including pan music from a group of teenagers who are members of the community. 

The Police Force Band also contributed to the ambience, and was welcomed by many.  Tipperary Hall was built in 1909 in Colonial Architecture Style; it started to deteriorate because of a lack of maintenance in 1980, but it wasn’t until 1998 that the last part of the building crumbled. It was that very year that Aunt Jess Booker, on the occasion of her 100th birthday, asked the then president, Janet Jagan, to ensure that the Tipperary Hall be reconstructed. 

Her son, Charles Booker, coordinated a restoration committee in a process that was advanced by overseas-based Buxtonian Mboya Wood, who later met with President Jagdeo and Lumumba, himself a Buxtonian. 

Tipperary Hall had been used over the decades for funerals, weddings, parties and meetings of all sorts. In fact, the meeting that formed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) by the late LFS Burnham and Dr Cheddi Jagan was held at that very facility. 

While, President Jagdeo said he would like to see that happen someday, he could not guarantee that it would happen in the near future. 

He, however, committed to ensuring that the leadership of both parties be invited to the commissioning of the structure. Construction of the G$60 million facility began Sunday last, December 19th, and according to the contractor, Graham and Associates, it should be completed within nine months.