About Us
What is The National Trust?
The National Trust of Guyana was established following the passage of the National Trust Act, No. 7 of 1972. The Act “makes provision for the preservation of monuments, sites, places and objects of historic interest or national importance.”
Under the National Trust Act, the term ‘monuments’ includes any building, structure, object or other work of man or of nature whether above or below the surface of the land or the floor of the sea within territorial waters of Guyana and any site, cave or excavation. National Monuments are the vested responsibility of the National Trust and are gazetted as such after approval by Parliament. At present there are nine gazetted National Monuments.
Our Mission
To conserve, preserve and promote the nation’s patrimony so that the present and future generations will access and enjoy the richness of Guyana’s heritage.
Functions
The general function of the National Trust is “to promote the permanent preservation for the benefit of the nation of property of beauty or historic interest” which includes the following
Preservation of Heritage Sites
The preservation of buildings and/or places of significance and the protection and development of the amenities of such buildings and places and their surroundings
Preservation of Artifacts
The preservation of furniture, pictures and chattels of any description having national, historic or artistic interest.
Providing Access
Facilitating the access to such buildings, places and chattels for tourism and purposes and the enjoyment of the public.
Our Vision
Our heritage valued and preserved
Our history recorded
Our people inspired and empowered
Our Role
- Provide advice to the Minister on all matters pertaining to the cultural heritage of Guyana,
- Provide services to the public in relation to the safeguarding and promotion of heritage sites and monuments in Guyana,
- Sensitize members of the public about monuments and heritage sites in Guyana,
- Ensure that adequate policies are in place to safeguard and protect the cultural heritage resources while networking with relevant stakeholders,
- Ensure the long-term survival of the nation’s heritage sites,
- Preserve and archive important aspects of the nation’s cultural resources.
Our Values
- Respect for Guyana’s cultural diversity and the need to tell our own history,
- Respect for the integrity of Guyana’s irreplaceable heritage resources,
- Respect for local authorities that are empowered through legislation to preserve and conserve Guyana’s heritage,
- Promotion of nationwide community stewardship of Guyana’s heritage resources,
- Responsiveness to community heritage initiatives,
- Promotion of local craftsmanship, techniques and traditions,
- Prudent use of public funds: transparency and accountability in all financial endeavors.
Our Services
The National Trust offers a number of services to the public including research through its mini library facility and exhibition gallery on historical and heritage sites throughout Guyana. The agency also aims to sensitize the public about Guyana’s heritage resources through media such as exhibitions, publications, presentations and its radio programme known as ‘Heritage Minute’.
Exhibitions
Research
Publications
Presentations
Education
Governance
The National Trust of Guyana is guided by a Board of Directors. Its membership includes the following:
- Commissioner of Lands
- Town and Country Planning Officer
- Archivist
- Six other members
A Chairman is also appointed from among the above membership.
Administration
Managed by a Chief Executive Officer and staff members who undertake the day-to-day activities of the agency in the following departments.
- Administration
- Conservation
- Accounts
- Research and Documentation