Heritage sites of Guyana…
THE PRACTISE of immigration, as with many events in history, evolved out of a need, in this case, for a reliable source to labour on the sugar plantations, since the abolition of the slave trade and slavery in 1838 saw the widespread abandonment of the plantation and plantation life by the Africans, who viewed the plantation as a tool or instrument of oppression rather than as a source of labour and ultimately a source of income. During this period of immigration (1838 – 1917), a wide cross-section of natives were brought to our lush shores to provide a solution to the shortage of labour which the planters were facing. Many of the groups were unable to perform the duties and functions which the British were looking to satisfy. Finally, as if a silver lining had emerged from behind the dark cloud, there came the Indians. They brought with them techniques and expertise in drainage and irrigation, and were found to be the most suitable for the job. They worked tirelessly and under some very challenging circumstances.  Perhaps this is why our history is also flattered with conflicts and uprisings in an effort to acquire better living and general social conditions.

While immigration brought several races to Guyana, it is the Indian immigrants who made the most indelible mark on the history of Guyana, apart from the Africans, of course, who were brought during slavery.

Each year on May 5, activities are planned and executed in remembrance of the Indian immigrants and their contribution to our society. Prior to 1988, the year of the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana, there was no monument or structure dedicated to the arrival of Indians into Guyana.

It was on this occasion that it was unanimously agreed that a monument ought to be erected in recognition of these peoples and their worth to the development of our country. Several ideas and proposals were put forward, but ultimately, after a competition was held in 1992, the design approved was that of a ship which represented the immigrants’ journey across the ‘Kala Pani’ to Guyana.

Prior to acquiring and approving the design, much difficulty was encountered in ascertaining a location for the monument. After a long but worthy journey, it was decided that the most appropriate location would be the Merriman’s Mall, bordered by Church & Alexander Streets, North Road & Camp Street.

This magnificent replica is in fact in the image of the ‘SS Whitby’, the first ship which arrived on Guyana’s shores with the first batch of immigrants. Built at a cost of $250,000, this monument is sculpted of bronze, rests on a pedestal of black marble measuring ten feet in height, and is patina dark yellow, green and black in colour.

Surrounded by low walls, which are layered with calligraphic and other symbolic scenes, its outer surface has murals and carvings which give insight into the lifestyle and culture of sugar cane labourers.

This sculpture of the Whitby was designed by Balkishen as a symbol to the courage and determination of those early immigrants, while the landscape was the ingenuity of the architect, Mr. Albert Rodrigues.

This monument, like many others, is a remarkable reminder of our nations’ history, and as such, it is imperative that we ensure its continuity. To this end, the National Trust of Guyana, which undertakes to promote and safeguard the nation’s heritage, invites the members of the community to take an active role in ensuring the survival of Guyana’s patrimony.