Yesterday, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, alongside Hieronymus and Shameena Wosten, presented several historic books and atlases to President Irfaan Ali.
These works, depicting maps and other literature on Guyana’s history during Dutch and English colonial times dating back from the 1600s, were donated by Mr. Wosten, according to a release from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC was also present during the handing over.
Mr. Wosten, is a Dutch national and registered Guyanese citizen. The release said that his interest was kindled in 1997 by his wife, Shameena Wosten, a native of Guyana. This passion, coupled with his love for antique books and maps, led him to collect these historical documents from antique book dealers worldwide. Since moving to Guyana in 2022, the release said Mr. Wosten has engaged in discussions with Benn who mentioned the Guyana Archives’ interest in such donations.
Highlights include a 2012 atlas of the Dutch West India Company featuring documents from the Dutch National Archives, a 1928 edition of “The Discoverie of the Large and Bewtiful Empire of Guiana by Sir Walter Raleigh” by V.T. Harlow, and a first edition 1911 biography of Dutch Governor Storm van’s Gravesande. Additionally, there is the 1888 “History of the Colonies Essequebo, Demerary, and Berbice” by P.M. Netscher.
The release said that the collection’s highlight is an 1898 atlas used in the Venezuela-Guyana boundary arbitration, stamped with “Tipografia Caracas.” This atlas, containing over 70 maps, was submitted on behalf of Venezuela and played a crucial role in clarifying the boundary dispute at the time.
Having studied these documents, Mr. and Mrs. Wosten felt it was time to share them with the people of Guyana, believing they would be more valuable in the archives than sitting on their shelves.
List of Donated Works:
1. Comprehensive Atlas of the Dutch West India Company, Vol. II: The New WIC, 1674-1791
• Heijer, Henk den, et al. (2012)
• Limited edition, text in Dutch & English
2. The Discoverie of the Large and Bewtiful Empire of Guiana by Sir Walter Raleigh
• Edited by V.T. Harlow (1928)
• Limited edition of 975 copies
3. The Case of the United States of Venezuela Before the Tribunal of Arbitration
• Hoen (1898)
4. Storm van ‘s Gravesande: The Rise of British Guiana, Volumes I and II
• J.A.J. de Villiers (1911)
• First edition
5. History of the Colonies Essequebo, Demerary, and Berbice
• P.M. Netscher (1888)
• First edition
The Government of Guyana extended its gratitude to Mr. Wosten for the donation.
