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PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. Alfred King has indicated that the construction of the 1823 Monument is on track to meet its March 31 deadline. In a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, he said the project should be completed as scheduled and handed over to the Ministry for commissioning sometime in April.
According to him, the memorial, which is being erected on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, is now approximately 75 percent finished.
He said, at the moment, contractors are creating a parking lot and a parking area where persons can dwell next to the edifice.
King said the base of the structure has been constructed but it will be finished with marble after the parking area is done and the only thing left to do would be the installation of the actual body that has already been sculpted by Guyanese born sculptor Ivor Thom.
The 1823 Monument is being built in memory of those who lost their lives during the slave rebellion of that year, despite some degree of controversy about the choice of its site.
There had been much dithering over what might be the most appropriate place for it, with some persons (including from African organisations) complaining that they were not consulted and others expressing the view that the Parade Ground (Independence Park) in Middle Street, also in the city, would have been a more suitable location.
However, at a press conference last month, Thom announced that, after much consideration, Carifesta Avenue (East of the Earth Station), across from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) sports complex was chosen.
Thom said the decision was not a political one or anything of the sort but was taken by the Ministry, with contributions from other technical and competent persons.
According to him, the memorial, which is being erected on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, is now approximately 75 percent finished.
He said, at the moment, contractors are creating a parking lot and a parking area where persons can dwell next to the edifice.
King said the base of the structure has been constructed but it will be finished with marble after the parking area is done and the only thing left to do would be the installation of the actual body that has already been sculpted by Guyanese born sculptor Ivor Thom.
The 1823 Monument is being built in memory of those who lost their lives during the slave rebellion of that year, despite some degree of controversy about the choice of its site.
There had been much dithering over what might be the most appropriate place for it, with some persons (including from African organisations) complaining that they were not consulted and others expressing the view that the Parade Ground (Independence Park) in Middle Street, also in the city, would have been a more suitable location.
However, at a press conference last month, Thom announced that, after much consideration, Carifesta Avenue (East of the Earth Station), across from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) sports complex was chosen.
Thom said the decision was not a political one or anything of the sort but was taken by the Ministry, with contributions from other technical and competent persons.
