THE publication “Linden Heritage Trail” was officially launched by the National Trust of Guyana last Monday as the world celebrates International Day of Monuments and Sites.

The ceremony was held at the Egbert Benjamin Exhibition and Conference Centre in Linden and saw in attendance officials from the National Trust of Guyana, officials from the Ministry of Education; Department of Culture Youth and Sport, Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, Regional Chairman Renis Morian, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph and former IMC Chairman Orin Gordon who was said to be a main contributor to the completion of the publication.
The booklet, Linden Heritage Trail is the latest publication of the National Trust of Guyana and is the first of its kind the agency has undertaken for the municipality. The booklet which contains 42 monuments and sites serves as a medium through which readers can explore and rediscover some of Linden’s historic treasures.

The journey of the trail begins at the Linden Soesdyke Highway, passes through the three wards; Mackenzie, Wismar and Christianburg and ends at the blue lakes and white sands in Wisroc. It aims to sensitize Lindeners and citizens at large about the legacy of the town through documentation of some of the significant cultural heritage resources within the townscape.

CEO of NTG, Ms. Nirvana Persaud in her address, said that she is satisfied with the final product despite the various hiccups along the way.

“I’m satisfied with the final and finished product and I must say thanks to my small research team who worked tirelessly in completing this project despite the challenges of limited information and unexpected delays,” she said. Ms Persaud is confident that the booklet will benefit all Lindeners including those in the diaspora.

Mr. Orin Gordon who was said to be a major contributor of historic information in addition to Mr. Horace James, made mention of Linden’s very rich culture.

“Linden continues to have a very rich culture and historical past which equates with any living space in this great country of Guyana. You have to understand that this cultural heritage is precise because of the interwoven nature of the people of diverse backgrounds,” he revealed.

Mr. Gordon shared with the audience many of the historical facts concerning the 100 years of bauxite mining, the early days of residence in Linden and the many monuments and sites that need to the discovered and preserved. Mr. Gordon said that Lindeners “play around” with their heritage and history when other persons especially tourists find it a privilege to indulge in and experience.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian noted that the sites will be refurbished for the 50th anniversary celebrations. He said that most of the children are not aware of the rich heritage of Linden and recommended that local history be a part of their learning experience.

Mayor Holland in his address told the audience that Linden’s heritage is diverse and extensive. “It is not enough to simply reserve or document our heritage, we must pursue the sharing of this wealth so that our youths can benefit from it and that is why I laud the efforts of the National Trust.” Our heritage he said is a strong foundation from which we can draw courage.

The National Trust of Guyana has been observing International Day for Monuments and Sites over the years in various ways. These include thematic exhibitions, tours, heritage conscious walks, memorabilia among others. The organization’s mandate is to conserve, preserve and promote the nation’s patrimony so that the present and future generations will access and enjoy the richness of Guyana’s heritage.

Ms. Persaud implored the audience to show appreciation for monuments and sites by not littering, defacing or causing damage to them thus obeying the rules governing the monuments. Last year the organization launched a heritage booklet for the town of New Amsterdam while their first publication of this kind was the Georgetown Heritage Trial.

The Linden Heritage Trail is a part of the agency’s golden jubilee of Independence 1966-2016 schedule and also included a bus tour to the various sites featured in the publication.