This year marks 100 years of bauxite mining in Guyana and in observance of this anniversary, a number of plans have been made and will occur in the centre of the bauxite mining operation in Guyana, Linden. The erection of the arch will actually be the focal activity of the centennial observation. While there is a bauxite belt across Guyana, Region 10 has the highest concentration of the mineral.
Some of the activities that were expected to unfold over a number of weeks include the unveiling of four centennial stamps (which was done in late October) and the arch costing some G$20M on Casuarina Drive.
With regard to the arch, which was fabricated in Suriname, it is a contrast to the first arch that we had which was donated to the Guyana Government on the country’s attainment of independence and was fabricated right in the bauxite plant. For some, it is a shame that 50 years on and the job had to be outsourced to neighbouring Suriname. The construction of The Arch is moving swiftly ahead and is expected to be unveiled on November 21 at the junction of Washer Pond Road and Casaurina Drive.
The Arch is a gift from BOSAI, and its unveiling is considered to be one of the most significant events to celebrate not only the 100th anniversary of bauxite mining, but also the 50th anniversary of Guyana’s Independence.
(In photo: The Independence Arch on the East Bank of Demerara, unveiled earlier this year to mark the Golden Jubilee of Independence)
