No-go area around Roseau Cathedral July 9 – 29

Dr George Sammy

The Roseau Cathedral and the fenced area around the building will be a no go area for members of the public from July 9 to the 29th.

That notice is coming from the engineers involved in the removal of asbestos from the ceiling of the church project, who have been explaining that this will be among a range of measures being taken to ensure that particular care will be taken to ensure that there is no contamination resulting from the asbestos removal.

“The area that we feel needs to be absolutely controlled is within the fence line of the Cathedral.  That areas is going to be properly cordoned off, no  one will be able to enter without the permission of the contractor,” Trinidadian Dr George Sammy, an internationally recognized Environmental Impact Assessment expert (EIA), has confirmed.

The actual work will take place during the July 9-29 period, and Dr Sammy has indicated that the removal will be done to international standards by Green Engineering, the Trinidadian Company contracted to carry out the asbestos removal.

“They have done extensive work in removing asbestos,” Dr Sammy told reporters at a news conference on Monday.

The EIA expert has given assurances that the removal will be done in keeping with internationally accepted standards, and that people in the vicinity of the Cathedral should not be overly worried about contamination from asbestos.

“We have confirmed that the tiles contain 15 per cent asbestos, we have confirmed that it is a cemented asbestos which is better than the other kind of asbestos which breaks up very easily – so we are removing tiles that are in fairly good structural  condition, the tiles are not breaking apart over the years of weathering,” he explained.

The  EIA expert said particular care would be taken in dealing with a small number of broken tiles that have been seen during the initial assessment process.

In addition to asbestos removal at the Cathedral, the Catholic Church building at Pointe Michel also has its own removal project.

Dr Sammy said those involved in that other initiative will be part of a full training programme scheduled for July 6.

He said the tiles at the  Pointe Michel Church ceiling are much larger and thinner than the sheets at the Cathedral, but that it was ‘the same while asbestos, the same 15 per cent asbestos”.

“I wouldn’t say it’s more dangerous, it’s going to be more cumbersome.  Because even though the sheets  are much bigger you still don’t want to break them when you are taking them down,” he said.

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10 Comments

  1. marco
    June 26, 2012

    I would like to know what about the people that live around the Cathedral ? What about Wesley High School and SMA. There are people and schools around the vicinity. Have the environmentalist taken that into consideration as well.

    • gazette fey kako
      June 26, 2012

      Wouldn’t these schools be on summer holidays around that time?

  2. Jezebel
    June 25, 2012

    The church authorities should just raze that and build a new modern asbestos-free cathedral.

  3. strength
    June 25, 2012

    what about those people in the slum area beneath the church? can u believe in this modern day and age these people have no toilets. my God what a shame!

    • kakarat
      June 25, 2012

      what does they having no toilet have to do with asbestos removal?

    • D real 1
      June 25, 2012

      Don’t forget where you came from!

    • Justice and Truth
      June 25, 2012

      @ strength

      You appear to have the strength. You should try to help them. Inform the government, Health Department about that. You can do your part instead of complaining. This will do them no good. Action is required. If they cannot help themselves, you who are aware of it could try to do so. We are here to help others in whatever manner possible.

    • Setup
      June 26, 2012

      It seem like you have visited the people’s home enough to know that there is no toilet. You are so silly, the topic is about the church, but you have to stoop so low, and talk about the peeple living in slums. Praise God you are living in a mansion, but when you return to the dust from which you came, you will not be able to bring nothing with you. Shame on you. You seem to be carrying the weight of the people on your chest, and you think this is the time to be looking down your nose at those you think you are better than. This is so sad. Grow up!!! If it bothers you so much, then, buy them a toilet. Shame on you.

  4. June 25, 2012

    When air contaminated with asbestos dust is breathed in, the small sharp, barbed-like asbestos fibres find their way deep into the lung tissues and other internal organs where they remain for life. Over time, they can cause fatal diseases

    Exposure and breathing even small, invisible quantities of asbestos is known to cause cancer 20 to 30 years after exposure

    I do hope that those responsible and involve in the removal of this hazardous materials will be equip with all the protective gears also a place to decontaminate themselves before going to their homes

    • Justice and Truth
      June 25, 2012

      @ Hello

      In this era people worry about everything unlike in previous years. Is asbestos the most dangerous product that could contaminate us and make us sick? Human beings have a certain degree of immune tolerance. God made us this way.
      As I have previously stated, did the volcanic ash from the Montserrat volcano harm Dominicans when it was flying all over Dominica? From time to time the fumes from the sulphur spring can be smelt in the air as far as Roseau. Has this harmed anyone? I would think that these would be dangerous. The professionals will handle the asbestos responsibly. They are experts in this area.
      Keep up the faith, hope and trust in God. He is with them and will not let them down. At the same time, let us pray for this success.

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