Dear Editor,
Our sixtieth independence anniversary is just a few weeks away. I am very sad that what was the first Independence monument to this momentous milestone in our country’s history is left to ruin.
I refer to the Independence Arch on Brickdam. I ask myself so often how can those in authority let this happen. This Arch, an independence gift in 1966 (made from aluminum I believe) from the Demerara Bauxite Company to the people of Guyana, be left to ruin.
The lights haven’t worked for many years now and what is worse, vagrants have taken up residence there. All around the base of the Arch can be seen looking like a garbage dump. No one in authority seems to have any interest in the beautification of this area.
My appeal is for urgent attention to this significant Independence monument not only for the May 26th anniversary but permanent maintenance of it. Nicely planted, kept clean, no vagrants and maintenance of the special lighting of the three arches, which are meant to represent – Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice.