Grade Six Social Studies
Hello Boys and Girls,
I hope all is well with you. Last week we looked at some forts which played an important part in the early history of our country. This week we will look at some of Guyana’s National Monuments. We will find out later whether those forts are also among our National Monuments.
National Monuments
In every country there are monuments which are set up in memory of famous persons or events of national significance in our history. What word or picture comes to mind when you think of a monument? A monument could be a huge block of stone, an arch, a tomb, a cross, a pillar, a tower, a statue, a fort, a bridge, a chimney or a building. How would you define the term monument? A monument can be defined as any object or structure made by man or by nature which is recognised as an important part of a country’s history. It may be a church, statue, pillar, stone or anything that has been erected or set up in memory of a notable person or significant event in history.
National Monuments are those which are set aside by governments as public property because of their historical, scientific, cultural or scenic interest. Would forts then be included as National Monuments? Yes, the forts are now National Monuments. They have played a significant part in the history of our country. Our National Monuments are maintained and preserved by the National Trust of Guyana, with the support of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the public.
How many national monuments can you remember? Make a list of them and their locations. Can you tell the reasons why each one was erected? Now let us name only those national monuments that remind us of the contributions made by individuals.
Now The Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow Statue The Enmore Martyrs’ Monument The 1834 Monument (Damon’s Statue) Damon’s Cross The Statue of Queen Victoria
let us see how much you remember about each of these monuments.
Where is this monument located? The Monument of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow is located in the compound of the Public Buildings, at the corner of High Street and Brickdam in the capital city, Georgetown. It was Dr. Cheddi Jagan, the then Premier of Guyana, who unveiled the bronze statue of Critchlow on December2, 1964 as a tribute to the great trade unionist. He devoted his life to fighting for workers’ rights; for better working conditions and wages. He is remembered as the “Father of the Trade Union Movement” in Guyana. In 1919, he founded the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU), now known as the Guyana Labour Union (GLU). He was the first to represent the local labour movement overseas. Guyana’s first labour college is named after Critchlow. What is the name of that college and where it is located? We remember Critchlow’s struggles for workers’ rights, especially on Labour Day or Workers’ Day, which is observed on May 1 of every year. What are the highlights or most interesting or exciting activities associated with Labour Day? Please make a list of them.
This monument, located at Enmore, on the East Coast of Demerara, was erected in honour of five brave sugar workers who were fatally shot by colonial police on June 16, 1948, while they along with other workers were protesting against unfair working conditions. On June 16, 1977, this monument was unveiled by then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham. Guyanese artist Dr. Dennis Williams designed the monument, which stands on a concrete base six feet high, with five repetitive verticals, each with brass symbols representing machetes, with the inscription of the names of the five martyrs (Rambarran, Harry, Surujballi, Lallabagee and Lall called Pooran). On the monument, there is a plaque designed by Guyanese artist Stanley Greaves.
The 1834 Monument (Statue of Damon)
This monument is located at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast. It was erected in honour of Damon, a brave enslaved African who was the leader of a protest against apprenticeship. Under apprenticeship, the enslaved Africans, who were expecting full freedom from their cruel masters, now had to instead work for an additional four or six years before they get their complete freedom. Imagine the feelings of disappointment, bitterness and anger of the enslaved Africans who were eagerly looking forward for their complete freedom from slavery. Several groups of workers refused to work and gathered in protest on August 8, 1834 in the churchyard of Trinity Parish at La Belle Alliance, on the Essequibo Coast. They demanded their independence and freedom from slavery as they peacefully protested under their own flag, which was raised by their leader, Damon. The planters called for troops for their protection. Damon and many others were arrested, taken the Georgetown, tried and found guilty of rebellion. Some of them were imprisoned while others were severely flogged, but Damon was executed by hanging outside of the Parliament on October 14, 1834.
The nine foot, three tonne statue of Damon resting on a concrete plinth (the rectangular block on which the statue stands), was designed and sculpted by Ivor Thom. The unveiling of the monument occurred on July 31, 1988, at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast.
In the Holy Trinity churchyard at La Belle Alliance stands a tall huge cross made of concrete. It is visible to all who enters the churchyard. Many people believe that the cross marks the spot where Damon was buried.
The Queen Victoria Statue
This statue is located in the compound of the High Court in High Street Georgetown. It reminds us of the contributions made by the Monarch towards the development of the colony Guiana and in the abolition of the slave trade.
Exercise
1. Why do you think monuments are important?
Goodbye boys and girls! Have a safe and enjoyable week.