Latest update November 13th, 2024 1:00 AM
Art icon Philip Moore to be buried in Berbice
– AFC says Seven Ponds burial would have been fitting
Art icon Philip Moore, who is celebrated for his incredible sculptures, will be buried today, even as there are conflicting views of how he should have been honoured.
Guyanese, particularly those from the art community in Georgetown, would have a first chance to view Moore’s remains from 08:00 hrs at Square of the Revolution.
Phillip Moore
Square of the Revolution is the site of Moore’s most celebrated work – the 1763 Monument which is a tribute to the man who led the 1763 slave rebellion that saw the first independent state in the western hemisphere.
Moore designed the 33-foot high bronze statue, which was unveiled in May 1976 by then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham.
From first carving a head out of a piece of wood in the backdams, Moore went on to teach at Princeton University and at the Burrowes School of Art, the local art school.
Moore is the recipient of the Cacique’s Crown of Honour, the country’s third highest national award.
The Alliance for Change (AFC) felt that Moore was deserving of a burial at Seven Ponds, Place of Heroes where some of the country’s heroes are laid.
“We are appalled that a national treasure of the standing of Philip Moore would be denied the appropriate tribute and honour that is due to a fallen national hero,” the AFC stated.
“The spirits of the departed who rose in 1763 must now be restless and very disturbed that their blood and sacrifice seem unworthy of national acclaim some two and a half centuries later,” the party added.
Moore’s son, Phillip Moore Jr., said that representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and of the African Museum met with them and discussed whether Seven Ponds, Place of Heroes would be the burial place.
“We feel those at ‘the top’ should have made a decision and not ask us what would be appropriate,” Moore’s son stated.
As a result, the funeral would go ahead as planned in Berbice.
After the viewing at the Square of the Revolution, Moore’s body would be taken to his home at Lancaster Village and then to the Liverpool Community Centre for funeral service.
Moore will be interred at the Auchlyne Cemetery.
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