The Culture Ministry is seeking the public’s help to select the site for the monument to commemorate the 1823 slave rebellion.
In a press statement, the ministry said that since US-based sculptor Ivor Thom’s design was chosen for the monument, a committee has been searching for a location.
The Ministry said after wide consultations, four areas between Mahaica and Georgetown were short-listed based on criteria such as ambience, emotional and physical connection to the rebellion, adequate land space, with a view for a future park, accessibility, vehicle parking and public view.
The sites being considered are Independence Park (Parade Ground) in Middle Street, Georgetown; an area at Montrose, East Coast Demerara; and an area north of the public road at Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara.
The public is invited to make suggestions which can be submitted Colonel LV Ross at the Culture Ministry, Lot 91, Middle Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown. Entries close on March 31.
Thom designed the Damon Monument at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast and the Burnham Mausoleum in the Botanical Gardens. He also contributed to Carifesta X in 2008. His design was selected unanimously in August 2011 as part of a competition the ministry hosted to observe the UN designated ‘International Year for the People of African Descent’ last year. The monument will be cast in a foundry built at the Burrowes School of Arts.
The rebellion occurred on August 18, 1823 at Plantation Success, which was situated between Liliendaal and Mahaica, on the East Coast Demerara.
