The second article continues to document the history and unique stories behind the construction and selection of designs for some of the nation’s commemorative monuments.
Located in the heart of Georgetown’s conservation zone is the Umana Yana, a structure reflecting the unique architecture of the indigenous peoples of Guyana. This national monument was erected in 1972 when the members of the Non- Aligned Movement and Third World countries selected Guyana as host of the meeting of Non-Aligned nations. This was the first meeting of its kind to be held in the hemisphere. A committee of government officials was assembled to identify a building to accommodate the conference.
The idea of an Amerindian benab similar to those constructed by the Wai Wai at Konashen enthused the committee. The lawn of the former Mariner’s Club at the northeastern end of High Street and Battery Road was selected for the construction of the Umana Yana.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was charged with the responsibility for the construction of the building. With the assistance of the Department of Interior Development, a work force consisting of Wai Wai Chief Elka and sixty odd Wai Wai were recruited for the execution of this important task.
The renowned Guyanese architect, Mr. George Henry, was then commissioned to prepare plans for the construction of the benab. A circular area of the lawn, about 26.8 metres in diameter was cleared of grass and excavated, the soil levelled and stomped to a smooth compact finish by the Wai Wai who “stomped the ground, feet unshod, moving rhythmically forward, backward, round and round, as if in a sort of tribal dance.”
Sand was then placed over the area and a concrete slab, complete with holes for the insertion of poles was laid to protect the structure from the dampness given the nature of the shallow water table of the coastal soils.
According to one report “poles straight as arrows, round wood saplings, vines and lush green troolie fronds culled from palm trees were used by the Wai Wai. They climbed the poles with remarkable agility, sat astride the round wood grids or hung, bat like with stocky legs high above the ground to secure the materials with building techniques used by their ancestors.”
After only eight days, this magnificent structure was completed at a cost of $26,000.00. On 8 August 1972, the flags of more than eighty nations fluttered proudly along the eastern edge of the Umana Yana’s compound.
The Non-Aligned Monu-ment at the Company Path garden was also erected during this historic meeting in Guyana. This monument was unveiled by His Excellency, President Arthur Chung, in honour of the founder leaders of the Non-Aligned Move-ment: President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, President Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru of India and President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia.
There are four busts sculpted to the likeness of the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, three are of bronze and one is of plastic. These were sculpted in the countries from which the founder leaders originated. They were mounted on a concrete plinth which was originally covered with quartz stone from the Mazaruni district. Four jasper rocks from the Orinduik Fall adorn the front of the monument in a small pool decorated with colourful stones from the riverbeds of Guyana. This plinth was constructed by George Henry and Associates.
Visitors to this monument will see a small metal marker at the centre of the monument. It is inscribed with the following words to enhance its significance:
Having led their peoples to freedom, they did not rest, but taking the whole earth for their nation, and all peoples for their brothers they sought to free the world from war.
Gave the oppressed a sense of dignity and hope of justice. Ensured for all peoples the right to freedom and independence and to determine and pursue without hindrance the paths of their political, economic, social and cultural development.
Secured for all states respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity and the right to equality and active participation in International Affairs with them, through the movement of Non Aligned our human race took a major step forward, toward a World of Peace, of Justice and of Progress, they began a dialogue of all mankind.
Another example of a monument erected to signify a special event is the African Liberation Monument. Located in the compound of the Umana Yana this monument was unveiled by President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham on 26 August 1974 ‘Namibia Day’ in honour of those who have struggled and continue to struggle for freedom from human bondage.
Also constructed by George Henry & Associates this monument consists of five polished greenheart logs encased in a jasper stand on a granite boulder. The varying heights of the logs are representative of the different ages of the martyrs. The granite slab represents the strength of the freedom movement and the pebbles symbolize the millions of people involved in the fight against human bondage.
Located at the eastern end of Brickdam, the oldest street in Georgetown is the 1763 Monument. This work of art celebrates the struggle of the Guyanese people for their liberation. British based painter, Aubrey Williams described it as ‘the greatest standing sculpture of the Caribbean’.
Constructed at a cost of $38,000.00 this imposing bronze sculpture was unveiled by President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham on the occasion of Guyana’s 10th Independence anniversary on 23 May 1976. It commemorates the achievements of the 1763 Slave Revolt in Berbice.
The plans for the development of a monument to honour the 1763 rebellion were advertised in the newspapers in the form of an open competition. This attracted the attention of the renowned national artist, Mr. Philip Alphonso Moore, who was in the USA at that time. He submitted a 36-inch model of the monument and his entry intrigued the committee and soon he was contracted for the task.
This impressive work of art which stands 15 feet high and weighs 2
