-a fitting reminder of Guyana’s rich history
HOW MANY heritage sites have you visited in Guyana? Our heritage sites are a significant reminder of our colonial history and influences, and one of the most prominent historic locations in Guyana is FORT NASSAU. And so, Manniram Prashad, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, along with a team of officials, including Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, and Coordinator of Special and Other Events within the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce,  Avalon Jagnandan, visited Fort Nassau, some 75 miles up the Berbice River last Tuesday to explore its tourism potential.
Minister Prashad acknowledged the work of the National Trust of Guyana, which is tasked with the preservation of the nation’s heritage.
He however feels that more can be done to promote and safeguard Fort Nassau, and that it should be a collaborative effort among Government agencies. He gave his assurance that his ministry will work with all partners to recreate the historic area in an effort to attract tourists and visitors, and encouraged tour operators, especially Cortours in Berbice, to pursue this initiative and promote its rich heritage and showcase the area’s beautiful natural surroundings.
He said Guyana is probably one of the few countries in the world where different countries occupied our land, including the Dutch, French and English.
Fort Nassau was occupied first by the Dutch and the French and then the British, he said. But of significant importance to history is what was referred to as “the cradle of the revolution” because of the revolt by enslaved Africans, led by Cuffy in 1763, which originated east of Plantation Magdelenenburg.
“This is an important part of our history which we must cherish and preserve – our culture, our heritage,” Minister Prashad maintained.
Prashad said the area in question will not only draw Guyanese and the Diaspora, but many Dutch visitors as well who will be interested in visiting the place.
He said the Ministry of Tourism and GTA are very happy to lead “this expedition to Fort Nassau to bring awareness to the tourism potential of this area.”
Prashad said with its amazing flora and fauna, he sees potential for trekking with its nature trail; wildlife spotting, since the area is teeming with animals such as jaguars, agoutis, labba and monkeys; a rich birdlife, making it a paradise for bird watchers; and persons can also engage in sport fishing – ideal for nature, eco, and adventure lovers.
“The whole purpose of this visit is to bring awareness of Fort Nassau as a tourist attraction, and we are happy with what we saw here today,” he reiterated, positing that it augurs well for tourism in Berbice.
He said tourism took off in the ancient county a few years ago with the construction of benabs and changing facilities at #63 Beach, and last year, his ministry and GTA collaborated with Cortours to host the first ever Berbice regatta in Orealla.
He said most Guyanese have never been to these areas and this is the ideal opportunity to encourage affordable domestic tourism.
Fort Nassau, which is amongst the first non-indigenous structures in Guyana, was erected shortly after the establishment of Berbice as a trading post by a private merchant Abraham Van Pere in 1627.
This was the seat of Government in Berbice which was governed as a separate colony prior to the unification of the three colonies, Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice, in 1831.
It is also where the 1763 slave rebellion, led by Cuffy, was initiated. In 1999, Fort Nassau was declared a National Monument by the Government of Guyana.   
There are several historic sites located along the 166 acres of Fort Nassau, which visitors can access from the New Amsterdam stelling via two hours of boat ride affording them the opportunity to enjoy the scenic waterway, and even spotting manatees along the route.
The remnants of Fort Nassau include the western and eastern grave plots, the semi-circular brick stairs of the Court of Policy Hall, the stairs of the Armoury, the ruins of the bridge, the Lutheran Church, combined with the lush vegetation which has made it a paradise for wildlife.
Persons can catch a glimpse of macaws, parrots, hawks and other birds along the trail decorated with numerous species of plants. But the “Talking Tree” believed to have been used to send messages during the slave rebellion led by Cuffy is perhaps the most attractive and intriguing feature along these footprints of Guyana’s history.