THE installation of an overhead arch as part of the bauxite centenary observances has been completed and stands tall at Casaurina Drive, Mackenzie, Linden.The arch was gifted to the residents of Linden by the bauxite company Bosai Minerals Group Guyana (BMGG) and was constructed at a cost of over $20M. A team of employees consisting of mechanics, masons, electricians and other tradesmen over the past few weeks worked assiduously to complete the installation of the steel structure that was constructed in Suriname.

According to Chairman of the centennial committee, Horace James, the decision was made to situate the arch where three main communities of Linden meet. Mackenzie, Wismar and Watooka have close ties with bauxite since the white expatriates who managed the bauxite company lived in Watooka, while the employees lived in Mackenzie and the company was also located there. When persons came to Linden to seek employment at the Bauxite Company, they resided in Wismar as all other communities in Linden were restricted.

The tall metal arch is accessorised with a beautiful crown depicting all the former and present bauxite companies with the Golden Arrowhead and Bosai’s flag flying high. The foundation was executed by Linden-based construction company McRae’s construction and the arch itself was assembled by VSH United in Suriname, the same company that constructed the Agricola Independence Arch. The lighting will be sponsored by the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LECI). According to the calendar of activities, the arch will be officially unveiled on November 21st.

While some Lindeners expressed appreciation for Bosai’s generosity in gifting the arch to Linden, some posited that the finances could have been used for other infrastructural development. “I am happy that the arch was constructed, it will give the community a boost and the surrounding a facelift, I think it is something good that Bosai did for Linden,” one resident said. Another resident of Canvas City however, whose home is threatened by erosion said that the money could have been used to build roads, drains and assist residents who are in need. “They building arch and people road washing away because of erosion before they look at what is important, they building arch,” she said.

The bauxite centennial observances were held in October as 100 years ago, October 1916, the first batch of bauxite was processed in Linden to be exported. Some of the activities hosted were the launching of the centennial stamps, a bauxite centennial symposium, a school debate and quiz competition and a centennial dinner. An industrial museum depicting equipment used to mine bauxite in the 1900’s is also located in proximity to the arch.