As part of Heritage Week activities the National Trust last Wednesday launched Cannons of Guyana documenting a part of the country’s military heritage and building on the work of Major Michael Hartland of the Barbados Defence Force and University of Guyana student Joanne Collins.
Hartland, who is the creator of the Barbados Military Museum, had undertaken some research locally and had produced a document on parts of this country’s military heritage, while Collins had used his work as her main source of information.
The National Trust has now put together the work of both individuals as well as additional research.
The booklet which is being sold for $1,500 is mainly a pictorial representation of the many cannon located at several sites across the country, and which were the most important weapons in the colonial armoury.
The 18-pound Russian cannon located outside the Public Buildings, those at Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, and the 9-pounder Funbanker at Fort Zeelandia in Essequibo are featured in the book.
Speaking at a simple ceremony held at the National Trust in Carmichael Street, Chairman Dr James Rose said the decision to document the many cannon still visible had been made because they signified a period when the world was going through a difficult time.
He described it as a “period when we spoke of no peace beyond the line.”
Many cannon are found in Caribbean territories because colonies changed hands frequently, and wars were fought to maintain strongholds.
Dr Rose said that while the Trust’s mission was to preserve, persons tended to take the country’s heritage for granted.
“We cannot afford to take our heritage for granted, our heritage should not only be acknowledged on special occasions but must always be a dynamic part of our psyche,” he emphasized.
Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony was present at the simple launching ceremony and in brief remarks noted that his ministry was looking to publish some 34 old local books.
He hesitated to disclose more about the project, but promised to do so at a later date after funding had been secured.
Rose presented a copy of the book to the minister who said he would recommend it to the local tourism bodies, schools and to embassies and Guyanese consulates across the world.
The layout of the publication was done by National Trust consultant Lloyd Kan-dasammy and published by Sheik Hassan Productions.