Dear Editor,
I received the attached picture with the caption: ‘What is happening to Guyana’s landmarks?‘ from a Guyanese friend who had not been back to Guyana in over 20 years. During her one-month stay, she was favourably impressed with the hinterland eco-tourism sites visited, but when she made the rounds of our heritage sites she became visibly irritated. She told me that: the Prime Minister’s residence was as beautiful as ever and how she loved its garden; she was still impressed with City Hall, even in its run-down state; that the High Court renovation seemed to be respecting the original design, but that the image of Stabroek Market that she carried in her mind for 40 years had been destroyed. When I asked her what she meant she referred to the attached picture showing the eyesore in the centre of the market as viewed from Avenue of the Republic – right in the centre of this historical site stands a large ugly TV screen flashing non-stop advertisements.
My friend asked me to try and find out:
1. How did this eyesore happen?
2. Which authority authorized it?
3. Are there any laws or regulations that protect our city landmarks from such electronic graffiti?
4. If there are any Guyanese left in Georgetown who care about our heritage sites?
I am forwarding you this picture and these questions with the hope that you or others can shed some light upon why the city authorities allow such degradation of public landmarks and historical sites.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address
provided)