Workmen of Junior Sammy Contractors Ltd removed the cross that once stood atop the majestic, gothic-designed Holy Trinity Cathedral on Independence Square Port-of-Spain, yesterday.
The damaged cross was just one of the many exterior embellishments defaced during the August 21, 2018, massive 6.9 earthquake that rocked T&T.
In a telephone interview with the cathedral’s structural restoration engineer, Danielle Steele, she explained the removal of the cross was delayed following the tremor, as there were some challenges in getting the right equipment that would have been able to reach the cross. She said Junior Sammy was able to supply them with the equipment yesterday, which they were thankful for.
Asked if she knew when the cross would be replaced, Steele said that information was not available at present.
“We do not have an idea when it would be replaced, so right now we are taking it down for emergency repair works so that it would not fall, should we experience another earthquake.”
Asked if she also knew the overall cost of fixtures, Steele was unable to provide a definite figure. She said they were estimating based on the cost it took to repair the Roman Catholic church, St Francis of Assisi, Belmont, which was in the vicinity of $60 million, they would project the cost for structural fixtures to be approximately around $75 million.
“All of that is unsure until we actually do the survey and are able to properly assess what work needs to be done. Only then can we have a definite figure,” said Steele.
She also could not say exactly when a thorough audit of the church would begin to determine cost but indicated it would be soon.
The cathedral has remained closed until emergency works are completed. As such, weekly general mass services are now held at The Labyrinth and the Garden of Peace on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, while Sunday services take place at City Hall on Knox Street, Port-of-Spain.