FORMER National archivist Mr. Hugh Payne A.A., delivered a lecture on ‘Archival sources in Guyana and their significance’, at Moray House at Camp and Quamina streets last Friday evening.Payne, who served during the Burnham administration, spoke about strengthening the institution, collaborating with the University of Guyana Library and History Department, the acquisition of microforms, and the migration of documents from the United Kingdom.

He recalled that in his attempt to establish an Oral History Department in the National Archives, the Ministry of Information had resisted his efforts. He said the National Archives is still attempting to forge a connection with the underutilised archives that exist, such as the ecclesiastical archives and those of companies, banks, Fogarty’s, Guyana Stores, the various sugar estates, the bauxite companies, and the personal archives of prominent Guyanese.

In the ensuing lively interactive period, Mr. Payne emphasised that the subvention for the National Archives should be increased. He also supported the suggestion that, in accordance with the Archival Act, a copy of all publications and documents on Guyana should be lodged in the National Archives.

The organisational structure which was recommended by Mr. Payne has been implemented in the Walter Rodney Archives, with the appointment of two Cuban-trained archivists and a graduate of the History Department as the National Archivist. Consequently, that institution is now in a position to install a catalogue to support the digitization of its records.

Mr. Payne had headed the National Archives from 1970 to 1988, and had been consultant to the National Archives from 1988 to 1993. He was consultant at the Caribbean Development Bank from 1994 to 2007, vice-president of the Caribbean Archives Association (CARBICA) from 1979 to 1992, and president from 1982 to 1985.
By Michelle Gonsalves