Location: Kingston, Georgetown
Classification: Diplomatic Mission
Period/ Year Built: Late 1920s
Historical Background / Description:
The Canadian High Commission is located on High, Young and Duke Streets, Kingston Georgetown. The earliest documented owner of the Lots 61-62 High and Young Streets portion of the property was Mr. M.P Camacho and the building is said to been built in the late 1920s. The property was purchased by the Sisters of Mercy for $40,000 and initially used for dwelling and sleeping purposes.
The Sisters of Mercy completely moved to High Street from its Charlestown location by 1951. During the moving period, the chapel at Charlestown was dismantled and rebuilt at High Street. The Sisters of Mercy subsequently bought Lots 97-98 located on Duke Street which was previously owned by Mr. John De Freitas and erected a two-storey building which was used as sleeping quarters.
The Canadian High Commission’s presence in Guyana was made official when Canada posted its first Commissioner, Honourable Milton F. Gregg, V.C. to the British colony on March 11, 1964. The Commission acquired the building located at High and Young Streets in 1977. The building was then restored by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry and on May 26, 1980, the commission officially moved into the building.