Dear Editor,
The Stabroek News recently reported on the government awarding contracts to upgrade the Maza-runi Penal Settlement (28th April 2017).
One aspect not sufficiently or explicitly recognised in the upgrading is the preservation of the historical character of the Settlement site.
The Mazaruni Penal Settlement is a place of contradiction. On the one hand, it is perceived as undesirable since its occupants are societal outcasts who are convicted of serious crimes. On the other hand, it has a rich historical legacy. In 1888, the reporter and artist Milton Prior during his travels to British Guiana wrote the following in the Illustrated London News (1888-05-12): “The only puzzle, in my mind, is that such a lovely spot – so free from mosquitoes, so charmingly situated, and with such surroundings – should have been devoted to the use and amusement of those of the coloured race in British Guiana who have committed crimes”. Historical images and sketches of the facility from 1888 onwards can be seen at:
http://imagesguyana.blogspot.ca/2017/04/the-mazaruni-penal-settlement-essequibo.html
The rich history of the Settlement starting from 1841 to present day should be preserved in this new upgrading effort.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
