MONUMENTS are of many kinds, since they are built to commemorate either a person or an important event in the historical life of a nation. In reality, they are a sum total of a nation’s past, and stand as a reminder of this, for those present, and those to come.Guyana’s National Independence Monument, more commonly described as the Independence Arch can be described as one of the nation’s most important national symbols. It was presented to

Guyana, by the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) as an Independence gift, and symbolised the end of an era, while ushering in a new phase of Guyana’s history – that of becoming a nation.
Built entirely from Guyana’s mineral resources, bauxite that was processed into aluminium, and quartz from the Mazaruni River, this arch was designed by Canadian architect Mr Eric Flack. Its construction was spearheaded by another Canadian, Mr A. Beck.
Majestically standing from a common base, it consists of three tubes that represent the counties of Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara.
On May 22, 1966, before a distinguished gathering, this majestic reminder of Guyana becoming a sovereign nation, was presented to Guyana’s first Prime Minister, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, by Mr J. G. Campbell, at the time managing director of DEMBA. He described the Arch, as “truly Guyanese”.
Receiving it from Prime Minister Burnham, Mayor of the City of Georgetown, Mr Rahaman B. Gajraj, said that the citizens would “treasure the monument”.
Its location, at the Eastern end of Brickdam, according to Mr Aubrey Barker, Chairperson of the Arch Committee, had been premised at the time on two factors: first because of plans to build a civic and cultural centre on the lands of D’Urban Park, with the “Arch becoming a gateway” to such a centre; and, second, due to Brickdam being located in the oldest section of the City of Stabroek, described as “one of the finest streets in Georgetown”.
Mr Barker went on to opine that it was a ‘fitting location for such a monument, since it “linked our turbulent past, with our exciting future”.
On Sunday, newly sworn in President, Mr David Granger initiated the restoration of the Independence Arch. It has now become an attractive feature on upper Brickdam, equipped with lights.