On April 27, 2015, the National Heritage Trust of Guyana launched New Amsterdam Heritage Trail, a 45-page booklet documenting 39 past and present historical sites in one of Guyana’s oldest towns.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, 2,000 copies of the booklet were printed. The launching ceremony took place at the Regional Democratic Council Office, Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, Berbice with presentations by Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust, Nirvana Persaud and Region’s Six Chairman, David Armogan.
The project commenced three years ago, Persaud said, and its aim is to guide users as to the history and development of New Amsterdam’s heritage sites which has shaped its landscape over the years. It is also hoped, Persaud said, the publication will awaken interest in safeguarding and promoting the sites and historic properties.
Berbice has since lost four of its heritage sites, Persaud said “due to poor maintenance, inadequate reuse plan to save the structures and subsequent acts of vandalism.”
Currently, Berbice is said to possess the sixth longest floating bridge in the world which is 1.5 kilometres in length, GINA said.
