Former Agri. Minister preserving mangroves through art

Aug 25, 2008 News

The preservation of mangroves has been highlighted as one of the important factors to lend to the protection of the natural environment.
This notion is being emphasised through art form by one exhibitor during Carifesta X at the Sophia Exhibition Site.
The exhibitor, Dr Simpson Da Silva, was appointed Minister of Agriculture in 1985 by the then President, Mr Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.
At the age of 25, he was the youngest minister appointed during that regime.
Da Silver says that from that stage it was evident that he had a passion for conservation.
After serving as minister, Dr Da Silva spent a number of years in the United States of America, where he conceptualised an idea which could only be described as simply ingenious.
In essence, the doctor of veterinary medicine thought of an innovative way in which he could raise awareness of the purpose of mangroves, and hence encourage people to protect them.
As such, Dr Da Silva founded the Worldwide Prosperity Organisation, located at Enterprise, East Coast Demerara.
He says that the main objective of his organisation is centred on promoting prosperity for all by helping people to enhance their health, wealth, happiness, success, peace and love.
The doctor divulged that he chose mangroves as the main emphasis of preservation since they are regarded as the first line of natural defence of any land.
“They (mangroves) are, in my opinion, there to protect our land, but, unfortunately, there are many countries where people are cutting the mangroves down, or destroying them…”
It is for this reason, Da Saliva related during an interview with this newspaper, that, while he intends to spread the word on mangrove conservation worldwide as a Guyanese by birth, his desire is to first edify local residents, so that Guyana can continue to take the lead in conservation.
In various shapes, sizes and designs, Dr Da Silva’s exhibits feature mangroves which seem to possess a magnetic force that not only attract, but draw curious viewers to take a closer look.
The pieces, according to the doctor, were designed naturally by the environment. “I did not cut any of these. I just picked up the old withered roots that were strewed along the seashore, all along the coast of Guyana.”
He said that they depict quality by the natural environment, as they were sand blasted by nature, washed and curved by the water as well as the wind, which played an important part in shaping them.
According to Dr Da Silva, the pieces are “truly divine nature art at its best. When you look at these pieces you see all kinds of shapes and forms…They are very unique…”
Dr. Da Silva has applied polish to some of the pieces, but others he believes can carry the message best in their natural state.
“The idea is to have them be preserved, so that they could come out and speak against the abuse…They all carry a message, speaking to conservation and preservation of the environment,” he added.
Dr Da Silva pointed out that each piece can be examined individually and be interpreted as to what it represents. However, he disclosed that, for him, they are all pieces of nature. “They are God’s creation which humanity has a right to understand very clearly… They are important for the earth’s survival.”
He speculated that, had such an understanding been unveiled worldwide, the incident of the Tsunami that swept away an entire village in Asia would not have been remotely possible.
“It is time we take this business of preservation very seriously…. We must not only seek to conserve animals and human beings. Indeed, there are many children in the world who are endangered…but there are many plants that are endangered as well.
“These mangroves are saying, ‘let’s conserve and preserve the universe,’ so, technically, that in essence is what these pieces are about.”
And, according to Dr Da Silva, no price tag could be affixed to such auspicious pieces of nature, since he believes they are priceless. However, as part of the exhibition, he disclosed that if anyone would desire to have a piece, they just might be able to do so following some in-depth negotiation with him.
Ideally, the doctor says, he would have wanted to see the pieces preserved in a museum.
As part of his conservation campaign, Dr Da Silva says, he will continue to urge people to, as far as possible, refrain from cutting the mangroves. He added that, if the act becomes necessary, it must only be done in a sustainable manner.

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