The National Trust of Guyana, which is under the purview of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, is appealing to all members of the public to be the first level of vigilance and protection for the nation’s monuments and other national symbols.
The appeal follows the result of a recent visit to the 1763 Monument in Georgetown by officials of the National Trust, after reports of vandalism were received.
The visit revealed that the base of the monument, including two bronze plaques, was painted in various colours, which is not recommended or appropriate to the monument,  according to a press release from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
The release stated that a Georgetown Mayor and City Council worker, reportedly, had observed a female of unsound mind doing unauthorised painting.
The Trust is deeply dismayed at the act which now requires careful removal of the paint if the heritage integrity of the symbol and site is to be maintained.
The Trust and Ministry will also approach the Office of the President and M&CC’s Engineers’ Department with a view to improving security at the 1763 Monument site, as this area attracts many week-end wedding parties for photo opportunities, driving instruction exercises, outdoor games by youths, and some undesirable activities by vagrants. (GINA)