… during Heritage Exhibition

By: Indrawattie Natram

IN recognition of International Day for Monuments and Sites in Guyana, the National Trust of Guyana on Wednesday hosted a heritage exhibition at the Anna Regina Car Park in close proximity to the Damon Monument in Region Two. The exhibition was held under the theme, “Heritage for Generations” and was declared opened to the public by Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton.

During the formal programme, an interesting publication called “Places of Interest” which the National Trust of Guyana compiled, was unveiled giving Essequibians the opportunity to learn more about Guyana’s rich heritage.  The exhibition consisted of several thematic displays, publications and interactive sessions affording patrons much-needed knowledge about the existing monuments and historic sites in Guyana.  There was an oral component whereby local historian, Ishahack Basir, volunteered his time to share his knowledge with persons visiting the exhibition. In the midst of the exhibition was designer/sculptor of the Damon Statue, Ivor Thom.

According to Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust of Guyana, Ms. Nirvana Persaud, the new publication provides valuable information on some 200 monument sites and locations throughout the ten administrative regions.

She said the compilation is the first of its kind singling out location, classification, period of existence and images of existing monuments.  The inventory for the publication commenced early last year in an effort to raise awareness to citizen and non-citizen.
“The researches are tangible markers as a journey of a people both positive and negative aspects, used as guidelines for a continued path,” Persaud said.

Persaud said that the state agency is responsible for the preservation and promotion of monuments in Guyana. She said heritage education and public sensitisation initiatives, institutionalisation of policy to safeguard, research and document are some of the many programmes of the Trust in relation to heritage preservation in Guyana.
Embracing Diversity

Delivering feature address in observance of the day was Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, who said that the ‘Green land of Guyana’ possesses a rich history and culture and the country’s monuments and sites serve as reminders of the struggles that Guyana managed to overcome as a nation.

“Our monuments and sites form parts of our identity as a country and as a people…the monuments’ structural locations are a unique story of struggles and sacrifice. Over the last 45 years the National Trust of Guyana has been the main body tasked with protecting and preserving these infrastructural aspects of our heritage,” Minister Norton said.

The Minister said that there are many motives to destroy the monuments by persons who do not have knowledge on same and he implored those present to play their part as citizens to protect the monuments. He called on all Guyanese to try as much as possible to prevent destruction of the heritage sites and to dedicate their energies to seek information on the monuments. The Minister said that once persons are educated then they can appreciate and enhance their knowledge of Guyana’s rich history.

“This is where social cohesion lies so that we recognize ourselves as a people so we can appreciate others. Our ancestors pave ways so we can enjoy what they left. We must all join in promoting the good things that Guyana has to offer” Minister Norton said.
Also attending the exhibition and book launch was Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt, who welcomed the team to Region Two and thanked the National Trust of Guyana for hosting such a significant day in the Region. He said he was happy to have the sculptor of the Damon Monument at the exhibition.

“Region Two is part of Guyana. Many times traditionally we see these launches happening in Georgetown, so I want to thank all the stakeholders and those that are responsible for bringing such an activity to the Region,” Ramdatt said.

He said he believes that respect for the various heritage sites as well as recognition of the monuments’ preservation and enhancement heavily depend on citizens. He therefore called for co-operation from Essequibians to help preserve the many historic sites within the Region.

Representing the Guyana National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was general secretary, Patrice La Fleur. Sharing some knowledge on International Day for Monuments and Sites, the general secretary said on April 18, 1982, on the occasion of a symposium organized by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Tunisia and a corresponding meeting of the Bureau in Hammamet, it was suggested that a day be established to celebrate the diversity of heritage throughout the world.  She said from that idea the day was born. She said UNESCO General Conference adopted the concept by passing a resolution at its 22nd session in November 1983, recommending that member states examine the possibility of declaring April 18 each year as, “International Monuments and Sites Day”.

Also attending the exhibition and book launch was Town Clerk of the Anna Regina Town Council, Diane Critchlow; Member of Parliament, Haimraj Rajkumar; members of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce; schoolchildren and other government officers.  The programme was organised by the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the National Trust of Guyana.