Jagdeo in the presence of others committed to erecting the 1823 Monument at the Parade Ground and buried coins there

Dear Editor,

This nation, but in particular, our students and truly concerned citizens, owe the Stabroek News a debt of gratitude for its informative and incisive editorial of Sunday, December 9 titled, ‘1823 Monument.’ Set aside the question of the location where the decapitation of heads took place, I suggest a reprint for our educational institutions.

For, what are we without an understanding of our experiences; after all, the truth of our past is one ingredient that makes us understand what is taking place today, offering us the intellectual vigour to face tomorrow.

As I compliment and commendation to the writer, allow me to add to the portion of the editorial which stated, “It is not altogether clear why a decision was taken in the end to erect it [the monument] opposite Camp Ayanganna; after all, as far as anyone knows, that spot does not have any particular historical link to the rising,“ the following:

What makes this purported decision a horrible blunder is this: On August 1, 2000, then President Bharrat Jagdeo, in the presence of Minister Gail Teixeira, Dr James Rose, Permanent Secretary Keith Booker and the Mayor made a public commitment to have the 1823 Monument erected at the Parade Ground, (Independence Park).
Furthermore, those named above with others as a symbolic gesture, buried coins on this sacred ground.
The big question is: is this the latest act of disdain, for our people, or is there another reason?

Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green, JP