Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 15, 2008 Letters
DEAR EDITOR,
Since my retirement from the cruel working world I have become more or less a free lance tour guide doing ‘stints’ for such eminent organisations as Evergreen Adventure Tours, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana and some years ago, for Barakara – (Jad Rahaman’s place in the Mazaruni when it was “alive”) and Wilderness Explorers (Tony Thorne’s Tour Co.).
Over and above that, I was once employed as a District Development Officer – Regional Development Ministry serving in areas such as Kwebanna/Monica (two years), Kanashen (four years), Orealla (21/2 years) and Mabaruma (two years). I have also written a book (unpublished) of my experiences of living in the Wai Wai community.
My varied and controversial hinterland career allowed me to see service with Iwokrama (a one year special service contract) and as a driver, yes, as a driver attached to the Malaria Eradication Programme in the Rupununi (and I thank God for this opportunity as I learnt the North and South Savannahs—roads, villages etc.—like the palm of my hand, and I cherish this knowledge.
But the letter is not about me. It is about Kyk-over-al where recently I have been taking tourists (both local and overseas) on several occasions to look at what? An ancient clay brick archway of what might have been a doorway and three very large and old mango trees.
On several occasions I have examined the site and was able to discover the sides (ramparts) of what was a small fort no doubt, with holes along the side that I presume were made to accommodate a cannon or two.
The point I wish to make is that the site needs to be excavated. All over the world, countries and organisations have been digging and excavating historical sites for treasure and other historical artifacts that could be of tremendous value in understanding what took place in those areas so many years ago.
The National Trust I am informed continues to weed the historical site at Kyk-over-al and that’s all they do.
When are they going to authorise a “dig” so that we can learn more about the Dutch or are they ashamed of their Dutch heritage? I urge the National Trust to seek funding for such an exercise.
I have been doing my best on tours with tourists to keep them lively and create more interest in Kyk-over-al, and one of my favourite stories is to tell them that if you eat as much as one mango from the mango trees (when they are bearing) at night you will have nightmares and dream of the Dutch Ghosts.
“It happened to me!” I tell them, “and I almost wet my bed in the process.”
Come on Dr. Rose, get the UG Students to be involved in the “dig”; you’d be surprised of what you will find beneath the archway of Kyk-over-al.
Jim Holder “Jungle Jim”
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