Guyana celebrates International Day of Monuments, Sites

Guyana joined a number of countries around the world in the celebration of International Day of Monuments and Sites as the National Trust of Guyana partnered with the Education and Business Ministries to host a commemorative exhibition on Tuesday.

The event at the Guyana National Museum’s Garden was in keeping with the annual effort to recognise and raise awareness for the conservation and protection of the cultural and historic heritage of Guyana.

On April 18, 1982, the International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) hosted a symposium, which gave birth to the establishment of a specific day to celebrate monuments around the world. However, it was not until the following year that the UNESCO General Council approved the recommendation, officially instituting April 18 as the International Day of Monuments and Sites. This move was taken to encourage local communities and individuals throughout the world to consider the importance of cultural heritage in their lives, identities and communities and to promote awareness of its diversity and vulnerability, thus giving rise to efforts of protection and conservation. Many countries, including Guyana, have since used this day to celebrate the world’s cultural heritage, while highlighting their own monuments and sites.

For a number of years, Guyana has joined in the international effort by hosting a day-long exhibition at the Guyana National Museum’s Garden, which is in itself a historical site, formerly housing the Lily Pond. On display were aspects of Guyanese heritage, both cultural and natural, which included tangible and intangible historical relics and items from various museums across Guyana. Abandoned forts, historical replicas and elements of language and folklore were among some of the aspects of Guyanese heritage that were highlighted at the showcase.

Present at the exhibition was the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana National Trust, Nirvana Persaud, who told Guyana Times, “I think it’s quite an interesting display, because there is so much here (at the exhibition) to take it.”

She explained that adding to the commemoration of the international day, “the idea is that we raise awareness for protection and perseveration of our monuments and cultural heritage”.

Persaud went on to say that “over the years, we (the Guyana National Trust) have been working towards ensuring that our heritage is safeguarded, but, more particularly, that people are sensitised and aware of it.” She noted that the National Trust has been actively involved in the rehabilitation and restoration of several historical monuments, sites and landmarks throughout the country, such as the ongoing restoration work being done on the St George’s Cathedral. Other initiatives are in the pipeline, including an ongoing collaboration with the European Union for enhancements to City Hall and other undertakings which will see the development of historical forts and monuments as well as the installation of signs to raise awareness of the significance of these sites.

Through these efforts of the national heritage body, Guyana has been recognised in the past year for the strides made towards the preservation of heritage, earning the country a gold medal as the South American frontrunner in this regard.

The exhibition in commemoration of International Day of Monuments and Sites is hosted annually as part of the partnership between the Trust and the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture. However, this year, the Tourism Department of the Business Ministry joined in the initiative in accordance with the theme, “Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism”.