The Walter Rodney Monument and the Walter Rodney Avenue were officially commissioned at Hadfield and John streets on Sunday, to mark the 30th anniversary of Rodney’s assassination.
According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in his address said Rodney had tremendous leadership capacity and his legacy would live forever. He urged youth to be inspired by Rodney and to emulate his commitment to just causes for the benefit of the country.
The memorial ceremony was held under the theme ‘Rodney, racial unity and resistance,” GINA said. In a statement that was sent, Rodney’s wife Pat expressed gratitude to the committee for organising the commemorative activity.
She noted that it was important to keep his name alive because he dedicated his life to making Guyana a better place. Pat Rodney said her husband lived as though every day was his last and he paid the ultimate sacrifice on the people’s behalf. “I pray each day that his dreams will become a reality; that we will begin to treat each other with respect and dignity and [be] each other’s keeper,” she said.
According to GINA, the avenue was built in Rodney’s memory and it represents endurance and strength. The monument, donated by Mazaruni Granite, represents the shield of Guyana. The site was dedicated by Rev Oslen Small of the Werk-en-Rust community.
GINA said Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar and AFC leader Raphael Trotman also attended the ceremony.
