The National Trust, the National Museum and water affiliated agencies such as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) on Monday hosted observances for International Day of Monuments and Sites under the theme “The Cultural Heritage of Water”.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority also participated in the activities which included a walk and exhibition and the launch of heritage stickers at the Seawall Bandstand.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony in his address said, “Whatever we do spiritually, materially and intellectually can all be linked to culture and our society. That relationship that we build with water is a reflection of our culture and it is apt that the international body chose such a theme.”
In keeping with this, the minister said he hoped the nation could appreciate the existence of water from a cultural standpoint as concepts such as the development of agriculture and the arrival of slaves and indentured servants contributed to the establishment of water infrastructure including canals, sluices, dykes and the conservancies.
According to GINA, history has also shown the existence of inland seas and as such the Walter Roth Museum has been exploring sections of the hinterland where fossils have been found. Recently, a team from an overseas university ventured into the area where whale bones were found, indicating that Guyana’s typography now is different.
The minister also spoke of the construction of forts such as Zeelandia and Kyk-over-al which both functioned as river defences to protect the Dutch colonies from invaders. Historically the sea walls functioned as a defence against the sea however; it now also functions as a place for social gatherings. Other aspects of Guyana’s culture and heritage that relate to water such as the landing of water-planes, the Light House and the Demerara Harbour Bridge, were also noted. Water will soon be used an energy source in Guyana, adding to the country’s water heritage.
National Trust CEO Nirvana Persaud explained that the significance of the observances dates back to 1982 when it was proposed to celebrate the world’s heritage by the International Council of Monuments and Sites and was endorsed and approved by United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation in 1983. “The day offers the opportunity to raise awareness concerning diversity of our heritage and encourages efforts of preservation and growth.”
Regarding this year’s theme, she said water is considered to be a resource that is integrally important to persons’ lives and heritage. It is more than the outstanding engineering achievements and development. “The importance and use of water and waterways to people, exploration, settlements, aquaculture, fresh water supply, irrigation, recreation, mining, hydroelectric power and environmental damage and conservation are all variants which are equally important and warrant consideration as they all form and contribute to our diverse cultural heritage,” she said.
According to Persaud, this year’s theme also brings the current global debate into focus as it allows an examination of the changes and challenges it brings in reshaping Guyana’s cultural heritage of water.”
