Dear Editor,
It is really a sad day in history when the historical and architectural gems of a country’s cultural landscape go up for sale. Thus one can only imagine the surprise at seeing that Watooka House in Linden is up for sale. Are those responsible for the sale of this property aware of the fact that this structure is not only located within one of the most pristine and beautiful areas of Linden but also that it has deep social, cultural and historic ties within the region?
In fact it is here that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth dined whilst touring Guyana before we attained independence from Great Britain.
It is no surprise that the National Trust of Guyana, an agency with which I worked with remains mum on the issue, and hence the reason for my letter.
In 2002 as part of my mandate as the Research & Conservation Officer, this site was selected after being proposed to the Chairman Dr James G Rose and the board to be gazetted as a National Monument, thereby ensuring its protection from demolition, sale and or alteration and thereby ensuring its survival for the generations of today and tomorrow to enjoy. The decision to speedily identify and submit for parliament’s consideration these monuments stemmed from the ridiculous fact that there are no provisions within the laws of Guyana to protect historic structures from being demolished.
The National Trust Act of 1972 which is rooted in socialist ideology clearly states that the only way a structure can be preserved is if it is given an interim preservation notice or it is gazetted, after which it then becomes the property of the Government of Guyana. The mayhem at City Hall only allows for proprietors to do as they please as the existing laws under the Municipal and District Councils Act are rarely, if ever browsed.
This site was researched, photographed, surveyed and together with 15 other sites it was then submitted to the then Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms Teixeira. From that period approximately 80 other sites were identified and approved by the Chairman and the board to be gazetted. In keeping with the turtle pace progress of the ministry, these structures, sites and monuments have yet to be given the attention they deserve. Every call to the minister to enquire as to the progress of this matter was given the same response, in progress after 5 years after being submitted.
I am very surprised that the Ministry of Tourism would be so silent on the issue as well. If it is the case that both agencies are at a loss for ideas may I then be allowed to toss this one out for your consideration, and if further details are required I would be most happy to supply you with further details.
In other countries National Trusts and historic preservation societies are tasked with generating their own revenue. The National Trust of Guyana is different as it relies solely on government subventions. In this case the Trust can acquire Watooka House and as there is a total dearth of social history here, then it is the perfect opportunity to establish such an institution. Watooka House can be transformed as a heritage lodge, whereby the historic and architectural merit of the structure is kept intact and it is given an adaptive use, a living museum of sorts if you will. This will give the chance for the Trust to generate some revenue − a small step in generating their own revenue.
I do trust that residents of Linden and all other concerned persons and agencies, would speak out against this preposterous idea, as no country should see it necessary to sell off a part of their history to a proprietor who can then feel free to demolish the structure without any fines or charges, given the total and complete absence of any such law to protect such actions.
The current Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, as well as the Chairman of the Trust Dr James G Rose, constantly profess to preserve the nation’s patrimony. In this circumstance, it is only fitting that they both turn their promises into action and act quickly to ensure the survival of Watooka House, for the benefit of the generations of the present and the future.
Yours faithfully,
Lloyd F Kandasammy
