Advocacy for tWRF
The Willie Redhead Foundation is dedicated to serving as a strong advocacy leader for citizens concerned about preserving Grenada’s distinctive character, quality of life, and diverse neighborhoods. We need your help to raise awareness of the importance of Grenada’s built heritage. Stand up for the beauty of our unique and centuries-old buildings.
Learn About the Issues Affecting Grenada
The Willie Redhead Foundation is dedicated to serving as a strong advocate for Grenada’s distinctive character.
York House was built in the 1780s in an ornate Georgian style. It was originally built as the family residence of Jean de Ponthieu after whom Deponthieu Street, immediately West of the site, is named. For centuries, this was the most prominent civil building in Grenada, and it is considered an architectural gem which enhances the character of Church Street in St George’s, and our capital city as a whole.
At one time, York House was used for concerts, speech nights and grand balls. Visiting musical artists would perform there, and the St Joseph’s Convent Annual operettas were held there and eagerly awaited. York House was also where public meetings were held.
Severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan and never restored, the building continues to decline. The Foundation is seeking the help of Grenadians at home and in the Diaspora to raise funds for its RESTORATION, which is estimated at EC$5.26 million (US$2.0 million). You can donate here.
All funds donated will be acknowledged in writing and kept in a special TRUST FUND in Grenada, to be managed by the Foundation in continuing partnership, support and co-operation with the Government of Grenada.
Built sometime in the late 1700s, Government House, situated on Upper Lucas Street, has served as the official residence of Grenada’s Governors and Governors General since 17890. Renovated in the early 1800s, it was extensively remodelled in the later years of the 19th century during the governorship of Sir Walter Sendall with the addition of a two-storey gallery. It was badly damaged during Hurricane Ivan and has not been restored.
Stand with the Willie Redhead Foundation to advocate for its restoration. Share information about Government House on social media and write to the Prime Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministerial Complex, Botanical Gardens, St. George’s, Grenada. Copy your letter to the Office of the Governor General, Point Saline (Box 369), St George’s Grenada. Please send us copies of your letters and consider sending them to the media as well. The more voices, the better.
The Grenada Public Library opened its doors at the Carenage location in 1892. This beautiful and historic building was damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and a subsequent termite infestation forced its closure in 2011. Lost to researchers and avid readers are the more than 50,000 titles as well as the old records, newspapers and other materials it contains. Please sign to encourage the Government of Grenada to restore and re-open this valuable building of our architectural heritage with its treasure trove of contents.
The thousands of signatures and comments made in support of saving the library have made an impact! But the fight is not over and more voices are needed. Please continue to share the petition and stay tuned for more information on how to engage in this important conversation!
Click here to sign the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/onyx-mariposa-education-and-culture
Contact us for more information willieredheadfoundation@gmail.com.
Coastal communities the world over are under threat from global warming and rising sea levels and the same is true for St. George’s. This is particularly relevant for the Carenage. The harbor is defined by its sea wall and relationship to the sea. By 2050, just about thirty years from now, conservative scientific models predict a sea level rise of between 0.15cm and 0.25cm. Preparing from now by raising the sea wall to act as a buffer against storm surge while contributing to the aesthetics of the area by creating a boardwalk quay is imperative to the future viability of the Carenage and you can see the plans the Willie Redhead Foundation is proposing. But creating a climate resilient capital will also require the upgrading and conservation of the entire city of St. George’s to make it a greener, friendlier, more comfortable place for people and strengthen its capacity to bounce back in the event of natural disasters.
Click the link below to download the brochure.