PM questions plans for Girls’ High, Grammar School auditorium

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has questioned the wisdom of plans being explored by the past students’ associations of the St. Vincent Grammar and Girls’ High Schools to build an auditorium on the site of the old Grammar School hall.

Dr Gonsalves said that while he understands the passion of former students of the two institutions, from his position as Prime Minister, he believes that the Performing Arts Centre that is soon to be constructed along with the National Library at Richmond Hill can dove tail as an auditorium for all the schools in the area, including the Thomas Saunders Secondary School.{{more}}

“One of the things you have to consider is that if you give the Grammar School and the High School one, then what happen to Thomas Saunders? Are they poor relations?” asked Dr Gonsalves.

Dr Gonsalves said that the library site has been cleared and the contract signed with contractors, OECC. He said that the money is available and he expects construction to commence by October. The design for the performing arts centre is expected to be completed by July.

He said that the performing arts centre is expected to have seating for up to 800 and will only be walking distance from both the Grammar and Girls’ High Schools. The national library and the performing arts centre are expected to be completed in two years.

“What I believe we need at the Grammar School and the High School is a good school library,” he said.

Responding to questions asked by the media, Dr Gonsalves said that construction on the National Stadium at Diamond should get rolling by March next year and also take two years to be completed.

He said that the previous design for the stadium was unacceptable and the new design will be completed by October. He said that there is an ongoing dispute with the previous designers and he has asked the Attorney General’s Chambers’ to take certain steps regarding this. He said that work is expected to start next year March.

The highly anticipated four-year Argyle International Airport Project, Dr Gonsalves said, is also on stream – the designs are currently being examined by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority.