A proposal prepared by the Diocesan Building Committee, chaired by Fr. Sean Doggett, seeks to recognise the cathedral as the main place of worship for Catholics, and also as a major local landmark with aesthetic, environmental and historical importance. "We are embarking on a process of consultation, not only with those of our own Catholic faith but with people of all faiths and none," Fr. Sean says.

"It is our hope that a national consensus will emerge to form the basis for a decision by Bishop Darius", he added. A brochure on the committee's proposal is available for public scrutiny.

Hurricane Ivan left the cathedral without a roof, destroyed three beautiful stained glass windows and other furnishings, and reduced the pipe organ (built in London in 1888) to matchwood. An engineer engaged to examine the damaged building found the tower to be structurally sound.

The sanctuary gable with its life-size crucifix is also solid, but the two main sidewalls and the north transept will have to be demolished. The plan is to rebuild the cathedral using a steel frame. This structure will not be visible when work is completed.

The steel roof trusses on the interior will be made to resemble, as far as practicable, the timber trusses and beams of the old cathedral. The crypt, containing the graves. of Bishop Justin Field, the first bishop of Grenada, and four priests who served in Grenada in the 19th century, will be preserved.