“This monument site is a shrine to Indian Immigration” – Pres. Granger
─ Indian Arrival Monument officially commissioned at Palmyra
─ Pres. Granger notes invaluable contributions made by immigrants
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, May 5, 2019
The Indian Arrival Monument in Palmyra, East Berbice-Corentyne was on May 5, commissioned by President David Granger.
The skies were bright and clear in the ancient county as scores of persons arrived. Among officials present were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, his wife, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, Ministers of Government, Members of Parliament and members of the Diplomatic Corps and other invitees. The day’s proceedings were packed with cultural performances showcasing the rich Indian heritage.
In his feature address, the Head of State said the 181st anniversary of Indian Arrival in Guyana is celebrated with the historic unveiling of the monument which is dedicated to the memory of East Indian Indentured Immigrants. The first batch of East Indian Indentured immigrants arrived in Guyana on May 5, 1838, at Plantation Highbury, in the East Berbice-Corentyne.
“This monument site is a shrine to Indian Immigration and to the migrants’ adoption and adaptation to their new homeland… we are richer for their arrival and for them remaining here.”
The Head of State added, the East Indian immigrants made “indelible contributions” to the nation’s cultural, economic, political and social development and their contributions have ensured progress and have advanced the nation’s development.
“The descendants of Indian immigrants distinguished themselves in every field of human endeavour… many excelled in academia, agriculture, accounting, the arts, business, diplomacy, education, engineering, law enforcement, legal services, medicine, military service, politics, the public service, sport and trade unionism,” the Head of State noted.
President Granger stated that Arrival Day commemorates the contribution of all the peoples of Guyana highlighting that the nation’s foundation was built on their sacrifices and successes. He remarked that the immigrants’ contributed to a common culture which is inclusive and tolerant, and laid the basis for a more cohesive society.
“Arrival Day recognises the nation’s diversity; it signifies the creation of a conglomeration of cultures. The nation is multicultural and always will be. Each culture enriches national integration despite the differences in our people origins.”
In his remarks, India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, V. Mahalingam noted that the construction of the monument was a collaborative project between the two governments.
“While the government of India has gifted the six statues which form part of the monument, it is the esteemed government of Guyana which has been quite generous in making this monument site an iconic one.”
Persons travelling to the East Berbice-Corentyne Region can, without a doubt, speak of the six impressively huge, 12-feet tall bronze statues, erected and supported by a solid base, at the ‘T Junction’ located just off the Berbice River Bridge’s entrance. The immense exhibit depicts a child, two women and three men, performing their daily duties. Construction of the monument was completed in April of this year.
Anara Khan.
Images: Keno George.