UNDER the theme “Patterns of discovery and settlements in Guyana”, the Guyana Institute of Historical Research (GIHR) recently held its fifth annual conference at the National Library. The conference was divided into two sessions, each of which featured two panels. The first panel of the first session was chaired by University of Guyana Lecturer, Akima McPherson, and featured lectures from Mr. Autry Haynes on “HIV/AIDS in the Amerindian community”; Ms. Nadia Gamel-Carter on “Oral History and Traditions”, and Mr. Michael Khan on “Amerindian Art Forms”.
The second panel of the first session was chaired by Mr. Hugh Payne, and featured presentations by Mr. Freddie Kissoon on “Amerindians in Politics since 1960s”, followed by questions and answers.
The second session was chaired by the Director of Public Education, Mr. Lennox Hernandez, and featured lectures from Mr. Terrence Fletcher on “Hinterland Development, with Specific Reference to Road Construction”; William Harris on “Amerindian and European Influences on Guyanese architecture”, and there was a session of questions and answers.
Panel two, chaired by Broadcaster, Mrs. Michella Abraham-Alli, featured presentations by Mr. Edward Jarvis on “The Hinterland Scholarship programme”, and a question and answer segment.
In operation since July 11, 1994, the GIHR was formally commissioned on September 1, 2000 when an application under the Funeral and Burials Act was submitted. The signatories were GIHR Director, Mrs. Hazel Woolford, Mr. Tota Mangar, Ms. Arlene Munroe, Ms. Cecelia McAlmont and Dr. Melssa Ifill. In 2009, the Institute applied to the Supreme Court to be registered, and was registered on February 8, 2012.
The Institute was established to disseminate historical information for researchers, historians, civil society, politicians, the electorate, and those persons who need to be educated on the backgrounds of politicians and political parties, as well as the history of Guyana.
The GIHR publishes a newsletter thrice yearly, apart from publishing the GIHR Historical Journal. It also publishes works of reference, and undertakes a number of research projects.
The Institute runs a research programme on labour, social, women and presidential history. It concentrates on the main printed primary sources for modern history, in particular the history of Guyana and the Caribbean.
As part of its public events programme, the GIHR holds exhibitions in observance of the Amerindians, the arrival of immigrants to Guyana, political independence, and the emancipation of Africans. There is one public lecture during the year.
The annual conference is held on the last Saturday in June.