More money required for Cathedral restoration

DOMINICA

The Diocese of Roseau is appealing for an additional EC$7 million to complete the long-awaited restoration of the Roseau Cathedral, one of the island’s most significant religious and historic landmarks.

The appeal was made by Fr Nigel Karam, Dean of the Roseau Cathedral, during the annual Chrism Mass held at the Cathedral in April.

According to an audio file via DBS Radio News, Fr Karam said that the Diocese has already spent over EC $12 million on the project, raised through both local and international contributions. However, he noted that substantial funding is still needed to complete the work.

“Maybe two Sundays ago, we had a diocesan collection for the renovation of the Cathedral, so I thank you very much for the contributions that you made in your parishes, and I thank you for the continuing contributions that you will make towards the completion of this building,” he said.

Breaking down the sources of funding, Fr Karam stated: “We have spent just over $12 million on the building. It is approximately $7 million EC to complete the building. Of the $12 million that was raised for this building, about $2 million came from overseas. Over the last 12 years, we’ve raised here locally $7 million dollars.”

He also revealed that part of the EC$12 million included an EC$3 million loan taken by the Diocese to finish the roof of the Cathedral.

“And the Diocese continues to pay a loan for that. And that loan repayment is EC$15,000 a month to pay back the National Bank.”

Despite the challenges, Fr Karam remains optimistic, encouraging continued generosity from the faithful and the broader Dominican community.

“We’re doing the work, and you can see the structure that was built. You can see where the money went into, and we can continue to finish this building. And I hope we’ll speak to our friends, our neighbours… and if we all put in a little bit, we’ll all be able to do this together.”