Interviews by Dreylan Johnson
with photos by Keno George
The sod has been turned and the rebuilding of the Umana Yana has been set for completion by the end of the first quarter next year. It has been reported that it will cost $66.7 million and will benefit from solar lighting facilities. With this in mind, Stabroek News asked the man and woman in the street what they thought of the move to rebuild the Umana Yana. Their comments follow:
Yannick Dundas: ‘I think it’s good news that they’re rebuilding the Umana Yana. The tragedy of it being burnt down… it’s good to hear that they’re rebuilding it no matter how much it costs. It’s a landmark in Guyana and it’s an important building for the indigenous people so I think it’s a good thing that they’re doing it. Solar energy is also a good idea. With renewable energy it’s a lot cheaper so I think renewable energy should be used across the country so a start at a landmark is a good idea as well.’
Indra Gokul: ‘Well I think it’s something good that they’re doing. At least the indigenous peoples will be able to get it (the Umana Yana) back. I don’t think the cost is too extreme, the main thing is that we’ll be able to rebuild the monument, as long as they can afford it.’
Saide Wilson: ‘Why so much? $66 million of taxpayers’ dollars? We already wasted a lot of money on the Marriott, why do we have to pay so much to rebuild the Umana Yana? It is an investment but it’s too much too soon after the Marriott scandal with the previous government. I think going green for Guyana is a very good idea but yet again, $66 million of taxpayers’ dollars, that’s interesting.’
Andrea Wilson: ‘I think it’s a good idea because it will keep the culture of the Amerindians. In relation to the cost, that sounds impossible because it’s not a big building. What materials are they using to build for it to cost so much? Wood and branches and it’s going to be $66 million? From my view, I think it’s impossible. I think the money is too much because it’s not a mall or something you’re building.’
Dorian Marshall: ‘I feel bad that that historic monument has vanished and there’s not much left behind to remind people of Amerindian heritage and culture. So I think that was the significance of the monument and believe something should be done to maintain and manage it better. I feel using solar energy this time around is great because solar is the way to go. No GPL, no bills.’
Shayla Smartt-Tappin: ‘If that’s the true cost then I don’t see why not. To me it held value to the Amerindians and to our diverse Guyanese culture. The building itself was one of our national landmarks and I don’t see a problem, I think it’s a good idea. It will aid in keeping that part of our culture alive.’
Anasha Dutchin: ‘Yes, I think it’s a good idea because it’s a landmark and it’s our history. Also, we just concluded Amerindian Heritage month and they didn’t get to enjoy it because the Umana Yana burnt down. I feel the price is worth it, the Amerindians were the first people and they deserve it.’
Dominic Vincente: ‘$66 million? That’s a lot, just to build back that structure but then again, the infrastructure needs a lot of repairing which requires a lot of materials to be transported. Basically, I don’t think they need that much money just to rebuild the structure, at least in my mind. I do think it’s a good thing to bring back the cultural aspects of the Indigenous race in Guyana, so it is a good thing. I think also that using solar energy is a good initiative…’
Orhan Sampson: ‘It’s a great idea, it replenishes our lost heritage, something that we haven’t had in a while. However, I think them using solar energy takes away from the originality of the monument itself because it represents the Amerindian homes and to my knowledge, solar panels are placed on the roof and I don’t know how that would look. In relation to the cost, $66.7 million, I don’t do construction but that is quite an absurd figure. I don’t know the ins and outs of construction and I don’t want to be insulting our heritage because it’s a very important monument. However, this money can be put to other uses such as the University of Guyana.’
George Ting-A-Kee: ‘To have the Umana Yana rebuilt, I agree with that. But at a cost of $66.7 million, I would like somebody to explain to me how in heavens name can it cost that? I mean, the materials are being cut out of the jungle. Nobody ain’t buying it, nobody ain’t paying for it. It’s not something that is man-made, it is something God-given. Transportation costs to bring it down to Georgetown can’t be all that much. I would really like to know about that. But I really think that yes, it is a great idea to have it. It shows where the true Guyanese are and what they can do.’