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On February 1st, heritage enthusiasts joined the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the National Trust for the launch of the 2nd Edition of their Heritage Guyana Magazine at the Cara Lodge, in Quamina Street. The first magazine was produced in 2011.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in his remarks recognised the need for more magazines like the Heritage Guyana Magazine so that the public is more aware about what Guyana has to offer. He also expressed his hope that the publication would be more regular.
“We should cherish what we have,” the Prime Minister stated, especially since they function as building blocks upon which more can be built. Further, the current generation is being challenged to create heritage for the future generations.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Frank Anthony, from the onset of his presentation, stressed that the Ministry is proud that it has been able to produce materials that help Guyanese and foreign visitors to appreciate Guyana’s cultural heritage.
“Through the publications of the National Trust we have been able to bring things that we take for granted and give that information so people can fully have a good perspective of what we have as heritage,” he said.
Minister Anthony indicated that when this particular magazine was started the intent was to build on the legacy of publishing Guyana’s history. He recalled that the first magazine was a success.
The Minister highlighted that the success of the magazine is due to the contributions of the writers who touch on aspects of Guyanese heritage that are often taken for granted such as the indigenous languages.
He explained that UNESCO has cited the indigenous languages as endangered, and the loss of those not only impacts Guyana but the rest of the world as well. The Minister also spoke about the destruction of historic sites in the hinterland. He also touched on the new findings being made in the Berbice River.
Importantly, Guyanese must stand up and ensure historic buildings are protected, and kept for the next generation.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust, Nirvana Persaud explained that while planning this second edition of the magazine the feedback from the previous publication was taken into consideration. Due to the stock of heritage material, an annual magazine was considered however the National Trust is confident that a biannual publication would document all aspects of Guyana’s rich and diverse heritage both tangible and intangible.
She emphasised that the launch of the magazine is timely as it seeks to strengthen the heritage sector and raise awareness among Guyanese and the Diaspora.
“This rich inheritance has led to the growth and development of both the tangible and intangible aspects of our nation’s heritage spanning both cultural and natural groupings all of which we are so proud of today,” she said.
The 80 page magazine includes articles from a number of writers who share their thoughts and experiences on a range of topics relating to Guyana’s heritage. some of the topics touch on the history of the canals, monuments, language, mangrove restoration, Chinese migration, Indian arrival, 1763 revolt, drama, and preservation and conservation.
The magazine also include highlights on City Hall which was recently enlisted on the World Monuments Watch list for 2014-2016.
“The main aim of the articles is to share knowledge, spread awareness and raise appreciation levels about our nation’s heritage, its significance, need to preserve and role it played in shaping our nation and our identity,” Singh said.
The next magazine will be produced in 2016 and will feature unique and nostalgic elements of Guyana’s heritage, and will also include articles from overseas counterparts.