KEVIN’S LOOK / Kevin Headley
I recently attended a meeting about heritage. The aim was to collect information and discuss how training for the heritage sector can be organized as best as possible. Because I am also concerned with heritage, I thought it was important to be present. At the same time, it was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and meet other people who, like me, are concerned with heritage.
During the meeting, strengthening professionalism within the sector was discussed. By better training employees, their knowledge, skills and capabilities can be increased. But another important question was also discussed: ‘how do we encourage people, and especially young people, to choose the heritage sector?’
That is an interesting question, because there is plenty to do in the field of heritage in Suriname. The possibilities are enormous. From visits to historic buildings and archives to old plantations, monuments and telling traditions and stories that have been passed on from generation to generation.
Yet it is not self-evident that people can earn a living from heritage. The challenges are great and the sector is often dependent on people who, in addition to their other work, are committed to preserving it with great dedication and conviction.
The sector is also financially vulnerable. A significant part of the money for heritage projects and the restoration and maintenance of historical materials and buildings comes from outside Suriname. This raises an important question: ‘how can we use more of our own resources to protect, develop and pass on our heritage to future generations?’
Investing part of the future income from the oil and gas sector in heritage could be a good step. But we don’t have to wait for that income to become available. We can already think about ways to structurally strengthen the sector. We can look at countries that have invested in their heritage and also benefit economically from this.
Historic buildings, museums, cultural traditions and heritage sites can attract tourists and stimulate local businesses. Heritage can therefore not only entail costs, but also create economic opportunities.
Yet I believe that we should not look at heritage exclusively from an economic perspective. Of course it is important that investments yield something. But our heritage deserves protection, even when the financial return is not immediately visible. It tells us who we are, where we come from and how our society has developed. Heritage is an essential part of our identity. That does not alter the fact that we can make better use of the economic opportunities.
When more people come to Suriname to experience our history, culture and heritage, other sectors will also benefit. From the catering entrepreneur who receives visitors to the contractor who is hired to restore a historic building. Guides, artists, transport companies, craftsmen and small entrepreneurs can also benefit from this. It is a chain in which different sectors can strengthen each other.
We must not forget one thing: ‘Suriname is our home’. We take it for granted to maintain our own house in which we live. We paint the walls, repair what is broken and ensure that the house remains livable. Not only because we expect visitors, but especially because we live there ourselves.
The first visitors to whom we must present our heritage are ourselves. Because ultimately it is not just about what tourists can see or how much money heritage can generate. It’s about knowing what we have, understanding why it’s important and being willing to take care of it. Suriname is our home. And if we want others to appreciate it, we must begin to maintain it ourselves.
