MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony has said people should not look at museums from just the architectural but a broader perspective.

Minister Frank Anthony admires an exhibit.

He was declaring open International Museums Day Exhibition 2009 at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown on Monday evening.

The theme for this year is ‘Museums and Tourism’ and on display were collections from the National Museum, Walter Roth Museum and Museum of African Heritage.

Anthony said cultural tourism is quite relevant and there are many sites and areas that can be considered museums.

But, alluding to the problems associated with exhibits management, he said, because many people visit heritage sites, improper managing can lead to negative consequences at a site.

A slave shackle on display.

Anthony disclosed that his ministry has been drafting a policy of principles which it can stand on and they need to be embraced by a developing nation.

According to him, the National Trust has done a lot to develop sites, including the development of a heritage train.

Elaborating on the concept of nexus between culture and tourism, he said it is necessary for people to come together to market a cultural product.

A section of the gathering.

“We need to package our product. We have the potential but opportunities need to be developed,” Anthony asserted.

He said Guyana has forged ties with the Liverpool Museum and collaborated with universities in United States (U.S.).

On show, up to last evening, were an assortment of paintings, sculptures, animals preserved by taxidermy and displays by North West Organics, among others. (Michelle Gonsalves)