The Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn, alongside Hieronymus and Shameena Wosten, officially presented several historic books and atlases to His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. These invaluable works, depicting maps and other literature on Guyana’s history during Dutch and English colonial times dating back from the 1600s, were graciously donated by Mr. Wosten. The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir A. Nandlall was also present during the handing over.
Mr. Wosten, a Dutch national and registered Guyanese citizen, holds a profound love and passion for Guyana’s rich history. His interest was kindled in 1997 by his wife, Shameena Wosten, a native of Guyana. This passion, coupled with his love for antique books and maps, led him to collect these historical documents from antique book dealers worldwide. Since moving to Guyana in 2022, Mr. Wosten has engaged in enlightening discussions with Minister Robeson Benn, a book enthusiast himself, who mentioned the Guyana Archives’ interest in such donations.
The donation comprises five titles, each centered on the rich history of Guyana. Highlights include a 2012 atlas of the Dutch West India Company featuring documents from the Dutch National Archives, a 1928 edition of “The Discoverie of the Large and Bewtiful Empire of Guiana by Sir Walter Raleigh” by V.T. Harlow, and a first edition 1911 biography of Dutch Governor Storm van’s Gravesande. Additionally, there is the 1888 “History of the Colonies Essequebo, Demerary, and Berbice” by P.M. Netscher, considered a seminal work on the subject.
The collection’s highlight is an 1898 atlas used in the Venezuela-Guyana boundary arbitration, stamped with “Tipografia Caracas.” This atlas, containing over 70 maps, was submitted on behalf of Venezuela and played a crucial role in clarifying the boundary dispute at the time. Its relevance continues to this day.
Having studied these books extensively, Mr. and Mrs. Wosten felt it was time to share them with the people of Guyana, believing they would be more valuable in the archives than sitting idle on their shelves. This donation is a significant addition to our national heritage.
List of Donated Works:
1. Comprehensive Atlas of the Dutch West India Company, Vol. II: The New WIC, 1674-1791
• Heijer, Henk den, et al. (2012)
• Limited edition, text in Dutch & English
2. The Discoverie of the Large and Bewtiful Empire of Guiana by Sir Walter Raleigh
• Edited by V.T. Harlow (1928)
• Limited edition of 975 copies
3. The Case of the United States of Venezuela Before the Tribunal of Arbitration
• Hoen (1898)
4. Storm van ‘s Gravesande: The Rise of British Guiana, Volumes I and II
• J.A.J. de Villiers (1911)
• First edition
5. History of the Colonies Essequebo, Demerary, and Berbice
• P.M. Netscher (1888)
• First edition
The Government of Guyana extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Wosten for this generous donation, which will significantly enrich our national archives and provide valuable insights into our colonial history.