Works set to commence on Indian Monument Gardens in Georgetown

TIMES INT'L
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony (sixth from left); Indian culturalist and entrepreneur Pradeep Samtaimi (right of the minister) and two officials on Friday in the presence of members of the Indian Commemoration Trust, turn the sod for the renovation of the Indian Monument Gardens

The Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT) has embarked on the renovating of the Indian Monument Gardens in preparation for the 175th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians in Guyana. The gardens houses the monument depicting the arrival of the first batch of East Indians to British Guiana in 1838 – a replica of the “Whitby”, one of the ships that brought East Indian indentured immigrants to Guyana.
The ceremonial sod-turning exercise was done on Friday by Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony and ICT members at a ceremony that was attended by heads of the Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities who offered prayers.
The centrepiece of the renovation is a new stage, which will be erected at a cost of Gy$20 million. The stage is expected to be completed in time for the arrival celebration on May 5, 2013.
Dr Anthony said the move will help to facilitate the further development and preservation of Guyana’s culture which is important. He stated that the Youth, Sport and Culture Ministry is working to establish a collective national programme to celebrate the event.
The minister noted that the contribution of the Indian Monument Gardens on the 150th anniversary was very important for all Guyanese. He said Guyana is a land of many people who came from different lands and brought their own cultures; hence, the nation has been able to create something which is unique.
“While we have this diversity, we’ve been able to create a very beautiful country because we’re so tolerant and we’re blessed with so many different cultures,” Dr Anthony said. ICT Chairman Yesu Persaud stated that he has been in contact with the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), and recently, it was able to put up a monument at the stelling from where the indentured labourers boarded the ship in India. He said hopefully Guyana will have a replica of that monument before May 5. He added that when the stage is completed, it will be unique in its own way.

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