Guyana advances safeguarding of cultural practices

A three-day workshop aimed at advancing Guyana’s ratification of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage began today as the country seeks to advance safeguards for its diverse cultural traditions.

The event, held at the Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown, is hosted by the Guyana National Commission for UNESCO in partnership with the UNESCO Kingston Cluster Office for the Caribbean and local NGO Merundoi.

A key objective of the workshop is preserving Guyana’s intangible cultural heritage and exploring ways to safeguard practices such as oral traditions, rituals and traditional craftsmanship.

“Let us all remember that we come from roots, and we may have branched off in our respective directions, but when we think about the roots, we remember our firmness, our contributions, and how we can continue to establish ourselves, our dignity, our culture, and everything else to build not only our nation but to cater for future generations,” said Indrani Ramnarine, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education.

The 2003 Convention seeks to protect intangible cultural heritage globally, including performing arts, social practices, festive events, and knowledge about nature and the universe.