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