Old Treasury Building Restoration Delayed
BASSETERRE — The St. Christopher National Trust (SCNT) said Thursday that the restoration of the historic Old Treasury Building has missed its June 2026 completion target, but stopped short of giving a new timeline, citing contractual and legal constraints on what it can disclose to the public.
In a statement issued Thursday, the SCNT said it recognizes the national importance of the project, which houses the National Museum, and shares the public’s eagerness to see it completed along with concerns over safe pedestrian access to surrounding areas.
“While we understand the desire for regular updates, the project is governed by contractual and legal frameworks that limit the level of detail we can disclose,” the SCNT said, adding that the Government continues to fund the restoration and that Trinidad-based firm Parvenir remains a partner on the work.
The restoration was first launched in 2020 and has faced setbacks requiring renewed oversight since resuming in 2025. The SCNT Board recently appointed a sub-committee to work directly with architects and project managers, alongside restoration specialist engineer Danielle Steele of Trinidad and Tobago. The organization said it continues to receive support from the Ministry of Sustainable Development, the Department of Public Works and the Office of the Prime Minister.
With the June deadline unmet, the SCNT said it is working with relevant authorities and “exploring all legal options to determine the appropriate way forward,” while stressing that any action taken will remain consistent with contractual obligations and the law.
The Old Treasury Building remains closed, and the SCNT is operating from a temporary office at National Heroes Park. The organization said opportunities for public engagement are more limited during the closure but that it remains committed to connecting with the community.
“The restoration of the OTB is more than a construction project — it is an investment in preserving our national heritage for future generations,” the SCNT said, thanking the public for its patience as work continues toward completion.