Calvin Ayre Foundation Funded Government House West Wing Restoration Nearing Completion

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The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) is proudly sponsoring yet another project, this time, one with historic cultural significance to Antigua and Barbuda; the restoration of the West Wing buildings at Government House.

The Foundation donated just over EC$2.1M to the project, which has been ongoing since April 2019. His Excellency, Sir Rodney Williams said he is grateful to the CAF for embracing the vision to assist in the restoration of one of the historic, architectural symbols of the nation. “This,” he said, “enables us to leave a richer legacy for present and future generations.”

Now nearing completion, Her Excellency, Lady Sandra Williams, said she is happy to see the vision of the restoration process smoothly transitioning to a close.

“The restoration of the West Wing of Government House is a perfect example of how a responsible private sector entity has committed to the preservation of the nation’s culture and history,” said Her Excellency. “This project will ultimately be a remarkable addition to the tourism product inventory, as Government House will offer attractive tours to visitors. We are extremely grateful to all who have played their part, and especially to the Calvin Ayre Foundation for their invaluable contribution.”

According to Executive Director of CAF, Corinna Delowsky, the project, which also utilized skilled laborers from Her Majesty’s Prison, will include a museum, art gallery and restaurant, and will be a positive addition to the St. John’s landscape once the tourism market returns to some semblance of normalcy. Added to this, Delowsky said the project also provided an avenue to spur economic activity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We were fully committed to getting our local staff and contractors back to work after the lockdown as soon as we were able,” Delowsky added. “It should be a testament to the resilience of Antigua in the face of the recent economic downturn and send a message that we are back in business.”

Local contractor, Vernon Challenger, Managing Director Challenger’s Enterprises Ltd., expressed his pride for being able to contribute his company’s expertise, while working on the historic edifice.

“We are extremely proud to be a part of the project for many reasons. Not least amongst them is the opportunity to work on a venerable building and to demonstrate the capacity of our homegrown company. We are also thankful for the example of cooperation in action. This project,” Challenger added, “is the convergence of several disciplines and interests—business, construction, community service and rehabilitation, diplomacy, the economy, good will, history, and preservation—working together for the greater good.”

The restoration project is expected to wrap up by mid-September.

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10 COMMENTS

  1. Thank you Mr. Ayre for your generosity always ready and willing to give to charitable causes in our country. Not like most of my country men and women that sit on tons of money but because of greed will never spend a dime on charity. Its a Biblical rule that to whom much is given much is expected. And those who give will also receive. Many billionaires are know for their giving. Jut look at Bill Gates and his foundation and Warren Buffet. And they all have pledged to giveaway half of their fortune to charity.

    • Is that the best you can say? I would hate to think everyone in your country is as shallow as this thinking! Please prove me wrong.

  2. Very beautiful project, we need to see other individuals in Antigua step forward and give back to the country.

    • Don’t hold your breath. Its all about taking as much as you can. It does not lay in their hearts to give.

  3. @sideline. Perception is not always reality. What you think others might have. May not be so. That’s why it’s best to not count other people’s money. Count you own! Just some friendly advice. Nothing adversarial .

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