CULTURE, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, has disclosed his intention to establish regional museums to display the unique and germane historical and cultural elements of each of Guyana’s administrative regions.

Making this disclosure at an exhibition commemorating International Museum Day 2014 on Friday last, Minister Anthony said the Culture Ministry has also recognized the need for additional museums which will focus on sugar, science and sports respectively.

The sugar museum is expected to capture the introduction of the plant to Guyana and its impact thereafter.
Held under the theme “Museum collections make connections”, the exhibition will last until May 20th, with participation from the following museums: the Museum of African Heritage, Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Linden Museum of Industrial and Social-Cultural Heritage, the Roy Geddes Steel Pan Museum, the John Campbell Police Museum, National Trust, the National Art Gallery, the National Archives, the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre – Red House, the National Library, the University of Guyana Library; and, for the first time, the Military Museum.

The exhibition has displays from each of these museums highlighting the focal points of each entity. For instance, the Military Museum has on display military uniforms, medals and pins. This year’s partnership gives the public a view of what the various museums have to offer.

Minister Anthony posited that the work of the museums is often taken for granted, and some are of the view that much has not changed at the museum. He said: “That is not true, because, over the years, we have acquired other exhibits; and we would have tried to develop other exhibits so that people coming here would be able to learn different things; and that is the essence of the museum.”

The minister also stressed the importance of continuous renewal of artifacts and other museum collections, so as continuously educate the public. Over the years, the museum has added two new sections; one looking at pre-historic Guyana and the animals that existed at that time, and the other section consisting of maps of Guyana.

Dr Anthony also noted that the other museums have specific collections which tell stories of Guyana’s rich heritage and history.

The Culture Minister acknowledged the participation of all museums in the exhibition, especially those not operated by the Culture Ministry.

He urged students and teachers to visit the various museums, as he explained that there is much to discover and learn there. “Through education and appreciation, we will preserve Guyana’s cultural heritage” he said.

Administrator of the Guyana National Museum, Nadia Madhoo, in her overview of the exhibition, explained that the International Council of Museums (ICOM) was created in 1946. This non-governmental organization is said to be the only body that represents museums and its professionals in an international sphere.

In 1977, the organization established International Museum Day to encourage public awareness of the role of museums in the development of societies.

Madhoo underscored that the theme for this year’s observance is a reminder that museums are living institutions that help to create bonds between visitors, generations and cultures around the world.
Written By Ravin Singh