THE newly constructed and erected $20M 50th Independence Anniversary Arch located at Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was unveiled on Friday morning by the Government of Guyana and Banks DIH Limited.The simple but significant unveiling ceremony saw President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger, Ministers of Government, the Diplomatic Corps, the business community and scores of school- children attending.

President Granger, while delivering the keynote address, said the arch is of great significance to Guyana, its people and its history. He said while the arch serves as a landmark for the entrance to the city’s southern-most boundary, it will not only separate the city from the outskirts but “separate the past from the future.”
“It defies the disappointment and setbacks of our history, it defines our identity, it denotes our victory of independence after 350 years of colonialism.
“Passing under this arch today and in the future must mean more to us than passing into a different jurisdiction. This arch is a gateway to a movement of urban renewal and to the development to our capital town,” the President said.
The arch he said defines identity, denotes victory and is a beacon of prosperity for rural citizens. The President outlined the history of Guyana with specific reference to the city of Georgetown and said “Georgetown is set to become a safe city once again,” where citizens can feel free to take a stroll with their families.
“Safety and security are essential,” said the President, who noted that never again must Georgetown be referred to as the “garbage city.”
The President said the city is undergoing changes, noting that the “garden city will never be known as the garbage city again.” Georgetown, he said, will regain its image as the Caribbean’s most picturesque and pleasant place for residents and an attractive destination for visitors.
“Georgetown has reclaimed its capital on the 18th March 2016, they were empowered for the first time in two decades…things are different now and our city must never suffer such neglect again, no matter which party is in government.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said the unveiling of the arch is significant as not every nation is fortunate to celebrate such a milestone. He said the aim was to re-install the original independence arch, but unfortunately the remains of that arch have disappeared.
He said despite the fact that it is not the original site for the arch, it represents the values, perseverance, hard work and a bright future for Guyanese.
Minister Patterson disclosed that a second arch is being proposed for the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), which will represent the northern boundary. The Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce have been approached for financing, he said.
Chairman of Banks DIH Limited, Clifford Reis, said the unveiling represents another noteworthy event, since Guyana attained its independence in 1966. He said symbols of nationhood are important and since the erection of the first arch at La Penitence, “Banks DIH took a big-brother approach to this national symbol, as it was located in the backyard and often pondered the disappearance from the public view, which should not be the fate of historic and national symbols,” the chairman noted.
“Even though the location has been shifted south of Banks DIH, we still consider it to be within our backyard… this relocated national symbol will serve several purposes,” said Reis, who dubbed the 50th Independence Anniversary as a “new beginning; a new horizon” and he hopes that the symbol will serve as a beacon of hope and renewal to the citizens of Agricola and the East Bank corridor.
“To the young citizens, may this arch represent to you that the doorway to opportunity is always open, provided full advantage is taken of those opportunities.” The Banks DIH Chairman thanked all those who assisted the beverage company in making the 50th Independence Anniversary Arch a reality.
Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for culture, Nicolette Henry, lauded the assistance provided by Banks DIH and noted that the country will continue to grow from strength to strength.
Describing the event as a historic one, Minister Henry said every Guyanese near and far ought to be proud of the country’s achievements. She recognised and lauded the partnership her government has with corporate Guyana and charged Guyanese to focus on the next 50 years.
She said there is a great need for strategic planning , so that the future would be taken care of. The legacy of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, the minister said, is one of growth and capacity.
Banks DIH Limited received assistance from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, who contacted VSH United to assist with the engineering and fabrication of the new arch. The arch was designed by Vaniar Gutierrez of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Errol Cush Contracting Services was responsible for the laying of the foundation and the erection of the structure.