1823 monument controversy…Coalition going ahead with Parade Ground Monument

Aug 05, 2013 News

The 1823 Coalition of the Parade Ground monument has vowed that it will not recognize the almost completed monument located at the Kitty seawalls, which was built by the Ministry of Culture.
In the coming days the final touches will be added to the Monument site, situated north of Carifesta Avenue along the Georgetown Seawall.
However, the Coalition said that they will not recognize the site due to the fact that it was not respecting their ancestors who died on that year.
The coalition has plans to erect its own monument at Parade Ground in Central Georgetown.
According to one of the members Mellissa Ifill, the non-governmental organization was formed to acknowledge the sacrifices of African Ancestors who heroically fought for their freedom in 1823.
Ifill, who was part of a press conference which was held last Wednesday, added that by building a monument in their honour at the Parade Ground, it will serve as a remembrance to those who were tried, convicted, sentenced and brutally executed there.
She added that with all the controversy about the location, the Parade Ground is the best venue for a monument to be erected.
Ifill said that the total cost of the project has not been decided but based on their interactions the committee has anticipated that they would receive nothing less than $20M which is the target figure so far.

Mellissa Ifill (left), Troy Kelman, Freddie Kissoon and Penda Guyan addressing members of the media last week.

Ifill said that the likely commencement date for the construction of the monument is August of 2014.
“Well we are not necessarily concerned about that construction (by the seawall). That is of no concern to us. That was the government’s initiative. We are in the process of building the People’s Monument and we tried to engage with the government initially and they didn’t respond and so the people will be taking their own initiative,” Ifill noted when asked about the other monument.
About permission for the Parade Ground, Ifill told media representatives that the Committee was advised that the location is under the jurisdiction of the Mayor and City Council, and they have spoken with the Mayor of Georgetown who is also a part of the coalition movement.
She added that a holistic proposal will be handed over to the Mayor who will then grant permission for the construction.
“The government will be foolhardy to attempt to resist it,” Ifill declared.
She added that the committee has launched a trust fund to accumulate monies to construct the “People’s Monument”.
“I’m pleased to announce that we have received pledges in the sum of $1M and $200,000 from two donors to commence our building fund. We have also received numerous smaller pledges from ordinary citizens who believe that our African ancestors must be respected and honoured for their sacrifices,” Ifill said.
The Coalition has also planned a number of activities for between August 18 and 21.
The coalition will be hosting two telethons to raise funds for the construction endeavor of the 1823 People’s Monument. “All monies collected will go solely towards the construction of the monument and will not be used for administration purposes by the Coalition”, the Committee Member said.
She added that during the month of August there will also be a design competition for the 1823 monument. The public and a panel of judges will choose the winning design.