President David Granger receiving his copy of the publication from Chairman of the National Trust of Guyana, Mr. Lennox Hernandez.
‘Aspects of European-Guyanese History’ was this evening launched at the Pegasus Hotel. The publication represented a collaborative effort of the National Trust of Guyana, the Guyana Heritage Society and the European Union (EU).
It is one that brings into perspective a particular Guyanese quality of multiculturalism and according to President David Granger who attended the book launch, “The colonial era brought together people from Europe, Asia, from Africa, and we met of course the Indigenous Peoples and our multiculturalism is an asset…”
Through multiculturalism, he noted, a unique society was created in which people learnt not only to be tolerant, but to love each other and to appreciate the unique talents and the qualities of other ethnic and religious groups.
He spoke of the European ideas that have made an indelible mark on the Guyanese society such as the recognition of citizens’ fundamental rights following the French Revolution and explained how European aspects such as the Dutch Courts of Policy and the British system that emphasized the importance of regular elections, laid the foundation for constitutional government in Guyana. The rule of law, Christianity and education are also European-influenced legacies that Guyana has inherited.
Ambassador Jernej Videtic of the EU said that the publication of the book is another demonstration of the excellent cooperation between the EU and Guyana. He believes that while Guyana is known for its stunning natural beauty and its hospitality, it is less known for its architectural heritage and rich history. “I am convinced that it will be more beneficial for Guyana to highlight this aspect as part of the brand Guyana… this book illustrates the many facets of Guyana’s State-building process, how symbols of its Statehood had been established and how important it is to value them and uphold them for future generations,” Ambassador Videtic said.
Many persons contributed to the content of the publication including President Granger himself, who penned an article on the Dutch Colonial Governor Laurens Storm Van’s Gravesande. Copies of the book will be made available through the Guyana Heritage Society and a number of them will be donated to 150 secondary schools across the country.
Among the dignitaries who graced the book launch ceremony were First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge; Minister of Business, Mr. Dominic Gaskin; Minister of Public Telecommunications, Ms. Catherine Hughes and Veteran Guyanese Diplomat, Sir Shridath Ramphal.