THE National Trust of Guyana on the evening of July 8, 2013 was informed of the presence of a bulldozer parked on the premises of the 1763 Monument site,  between the guard hut and the Information Centre.

This bulldozer has been parked on the premises of the 1763 Monument site,  between the guard hut and the Information Centre, since last month. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photos)

A visit was made to the site the following day by three Officers from the Trust to assess the situation and see if the owner of the heavy-duty machinery could be located.
However, the security officer on duty, Ms. Natasha Fordyce, from Strategic Action Security Limited, could not say who owns the machine and when exactly it was brought to the site but she indicated that it was there since late June. She added that all she knows is that two men had gone to check on the bulldozer since it had been there.
When the vehicle was inspected, no registration number or information was found which could lead to the owner, but some other documents were found. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) licence office indicated subsequently that they needed a five-digit serial number to determine if it is registered and to assist with ownership information. However, based on the details provided it was not a registered machinery within their system.
The Trust also reported the presence of the machinery  to an officer, Mr. Kellman (only name given) and he promised to discuss the matter with the City Engineer, Mr. Venture and provide feedback to the Trust.
Since then, the City Engineer was contacted and advised that a letter be sent to the Town Clerk about the situation and then they will take action.
The Trust also informed the police at  Brickdam Enquiries and Traffic Department, Alberttown, and East La Penitence Police Station about the situation. According to the Trust, Corporal Narine took the complaint and passed it to a police officer at Brickdam Traffic who advised that they will make enquiries to ascertain the owner of the bulldozer. However, they indicated that they did not have a tow-truck to remove the bulldozer from the 1763 Monument site.
A formal letter is being dispatched to the Town Clerk as was advised by the City Engineer for their attention.  The issue was recently discussed with Director of Culture, Dr. James Rose who promised to look into the matter and a formal report was also submitted to Minister of Culture Dr. Frank Anthony.
The Trust further stated that they will continue to closely monitor the site while it urgently seeks a higher level of intervention in clearing and safeguarding this National Monument site, particularly in getting assistance from the relevant authorities to remove the bulldozer.