Location: Agricola, East Bank Demerara
Classification: Commemorative Monument
Period/ Year Built: 2016
Historical Background / Description:
The Independence Arch is located in Agricola, on the East Bank Demerara highway. It was unveiled by President David Granger on May 20,2016, to commemorate Guyana’s 50th (Golden Jubilee) Independence celebrations. This location for the arch was chosen since Agricola denotes the end of the East Bank Demerara district and beginning of suburban Georgetown. The arch replaces the Ruimveldt Independence Arch which was unveiled in May 1966, to commemorate Guyana’s achievement of Independence.
The Independence Arch was designed by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in close collaboration with the Georgetown Mayor & City Council, the National Trust of Guyana, Ministry of Education, Department of Culture and other government agencies. The US$50,000.00 arch was funded by Banks DIH and was assembled by VHS Limited, a Suriname based company. The arch is 27 metres (88 feet) in width; was erected in four parts and has a crown that depicts the colours of, the Guyana flag and the 50th Anniversary logo.
