THE National Trust of Guyana in a collaborative effort with the Guyana National Museum and water-affiliated agencies such as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) yesterday observed International Day of Monuments and Sites under the theme ‘The Cultural Heritage of Water’.
Activities for the event included a heritage-conscious walk and exhibition and launch of heritage stickers at the Seawall Bandstand.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, in his address, alluded to the fact that water is very important and while it is not readily connected to culture, if time is taken to consider the concept then the link can be seen.
“Whatever we do spiritually, materially and intellectually can all be linked to culture and our society. That relationship that we build with water is a reflection of our culture and it is apt that the international body chose such a theme,” he noted.
“As such, it is hoped that this day will enable Guyanese to look at the existence of water from a cultural standpoint, as concepts such as the development of agriculture and the arrival of slaves and indentured servants contributed to the establishment of water infrastructure including canals, sluices, dykes and the conservancies that allow agriculture to prosper in Guyana.
“Additionally, history has shown the existence of inland seas. In light of this the Walter Roth Museum has been doing exploration work in the hinterland where fossils have been found indicating the existence of inland seas. Recently, a team from an overseas university was sent to a hinterland community where some bones were discovered. The team was able to identify them as whale bones; an indication that Guyana’s typography now is different from that of the past.”
Dr. Anthony noted that the construction of forts such as Zeelandia and Kyk-over-All indicated a connection with the rivers since they functioned as river defences to protect the Dutch colonies from invaders travelling along the river.
Historically, the sea-wall served as a defence against the sea. However, it now functions as a place for social gatherings.  Other aspects of Guyana’s culture and heritage that relate to water include the landing of water-planes, the Lighthouse and the Demerara Harbour Bridge.
The advent of water  as an energy source will soon add to Guyana’s water heritage.
Dr. Anthony posited that the task now is for Guyanese to play a greater role in fostering an increased understanding and learning to spread the message that everyone could be ambassadors for heritage sites in Guyana, thereby enabling the protection of monuments automatically.
Dr. Anthony recognised the efforts by the National Trust in significantly increasing knowledge of culture and monuments among Guyanese, identifying many more historic and monumental sites around the country and preserving them.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Mr.  Alfred King noted that apart from being used as a means of transportation, particularly to travel in and out of the hinterland, water  is a resource that is depended on daily for citizens to have  livelihoods.
He said enough emphasis and value are not being placed on Guyana’s heritage whether it is cultural, social or physical. “These things are mainly the value of what we are, our past and the sacrifices made before us to ensure we live the way we do today,” King stated.
He stressed that placing value on heritage gives Guyanese a place to call their own. Hence, the call has been made earlier for Guyanese to be aware, respect, promote and preserve their culture and heritage so that their  identity can be shared with the rest of the world.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust Ms. Nirvana Persaud explained that the significance of yesterday, dates back to 1982 when it was proposed to celebrate the world’s heritage by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and was endorsed and approved by the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) in 1983.
She noted that, “the day offers the opportunity to raise awareness concerning diversity of our heritage and encourages efforts of preservation and growth.”
As it relates to this year’s theme, water is considered to be a resource that is integrally important to persons’ lives and heritage. It is more than the outstanding engineering achievements and development.
“The importance and use of water and waterways to people, exploration, settlements, aquaculture, fresh water supply, irrigation, recreation, mining, hydro-electric power and environmental damage and conservation are all variants which are equally important and warrant consideration as they all form and contribute to our diverse cultural heritage,” she said.
She added that “the theme also brings the current global debate of climate change into focus as we examine the changes and challenges it brings in the change in reshaping our cultural heritage of water.”