Georgetown : A number of heritage monuments, artifacts and historical records are set to benefit from preservation measures this year. Over $101M is expected to be expended on these measures, geared at safeguarding Guyana’s national identity.
The Damon monument, the Enmore Martyrs’ Monument, the Dutch Heritage Museum and the 1763 Monument are among heritage sites that will benefit from interventions. Additionally, the information centre at the 1763 Monument site will be extended, and the lights replaced.
Interventions at the Damon Monument in Essequibo, Region Two will focus on rehabilitation with the aim of stabilising the cenotaph.
A security guard hut will be constructed at the Enmore Martyrs’ Monument site, and security lights installed. The Dutch heritage site will benefit from refurbishment, as will, sections of Fort Zeelandia. There is also provision for roof, walls, mausoleum and floor for the Forbes Burnham Mausoleum, and the restoration of the windmill at Hogg Island.
Focus on the museums will see the purchase of air conditioning units, filing cabinets and chairs for the Guyana National Museum. There is also provision for digitisation of artifacts, in addition to chairs, workstations, server, computer monitors, cameras and tripod for the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology. The Museum of African Heritage will benefit from digitisation of artifacts, in addition to computer monitors, air conditioning units, workstations, desks and chairs. Castellani House will also be rehabilitated and upgraded.
Since taking office, the coalition government has embarked on restoration of several heritage sites, grounds and government buildings. These include the Independence Arch, Brickdam and the bushy D’urban Park area between Hadfield Street and Homestretch Avenue. The latter is currently undergoing major transformation.
