The National Trust of Guyana in collaboration with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) yesterday celebrated International Day for Monuments and Sites under the theme, “Agricultural Heritage.” At the event, a booklet titled “Monuments and Sites in Guyana” was launched at the National Cultural Centre, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said last evening.
Chief Executive Officer of National Trust Nirvana Persaud noted that Guyana’s heritage is based mainly on plantation agriculture, which expanded during the period of industrialisation. This contributed to the historic character of the cities, towns and villages and the old buildings on sites that all form Guyana’s rich and diverse heritage.
Persaud noted that the exhibition will showcase the evolution of the sugar industry from past to present and will provide viewers with a conceptual link with the agricultural heritage and the day for monuments and sites. “Without a heritage there is not identity,” Persaud said.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo Errol Hanoman said that it was a great pleasure to reflect on the sugar industry, the nation’s main socio-economic and agricultural heritage. Hanoman noted that the contribution of the industry to Guyana has been immeasurable and that its evolution over 300 years ago to present reflects progression from slavery and Indentureship to workers’ empowerment, nationalisation and modernisation. Hanoman noted that more than 20,000 sugar workers benefited from the sugar industry’s labour welfare fund under which workers were able to acquire house lots and also from the establishment of roads and the supply of potable water. Workers were also able to access loans to construct homes and assist communities in times of need. He also noted that the industry played a major role in sports and placed much emphasis on cricketing skills.
Meanwhile, GINA said Director of Culture Dr. James Rose officially launched the publication entitled, “Monuments and Sites in Guyana,” which spotlights over 100 monuments, including the 1763 monument and the New Amsterdam Hospital.
The National Trust’s mission is to target monuments, which are part of the nation’s heritage and must be protected and promoted since they belong to all Guyanese. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King who formally declared the exhibition opened said that that the monuments represent the common struggle, purpose and achievements of fellow Guyanese.
King noted that the book will enlighten both the current and future generations of students.
The idea of an International Day for Monuments and Sites was made a reality in 1983, when it was approved by the UNESCO General Conference, which passed a resolution at its 22nd session in November declaring April 18, each year International Monuments and Sites Day.
