The Queenstown Jama Masjid Building Committee yesterday turned the sod for the building of its new masjid on its premises on Church Street.

The programme commenced with the invocation of Allah’s blessings and this was shortly followed by a presentation on the project.

Chairman of the Building Committee, Mr. Sattaur Gafoor, said the committee was selected to build a place of worship and as such the initiative was undertaken to construct a new building, as the present one, more than 100 years old, cannot accommodate the congregation.

The foundation of the Masjid has also become weakened.

The new two-storeyed building which is expected to be completed within a year at a cost of US $2M, will be equipped with air conditioning units and a stand-by generator among other items. The top flat will be occupied by women, while the bottom flat will accommodate the male worshippers.

Not only will the masjid provide a place of worship, but the complex will also provide space for sports, recreation and relaxation.

Meanwhile, the chairperson, Mr. Naeem Nasir, in his address, told the gathering that the new structure will be built to offer people a place to get closer to God.

The Queenstown Jama Masjid was the first Muslim place of worship to be built in Guyana back in 1895. It remains the principal masjid in the capital city, and in Guyana.

as reported by Guyana Chronicle on November 10th 2007

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