Centennial Arch unveiled in Linden

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of bauxite mining in the community of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) on Friday commissioned the town’s centennial arch on the achievement of this significant milestone. The Bauxite Century Committee on the occasion also launched its centennial magazine during the dedication ceremony. A dedication ceremony, held on location at Casuarina Drive, Mackenzie, marked the official unveiling of the arch.

From left: Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry  Annette Ferguson, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, Chairman of the Bauxite Century Planning Committee Horace James, Natural Resources Minister  Raphael Trotman and President David Granger
From left: Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry Annette Ferguson, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, Chairman of the Bauxite Century Planning Committee Horace James, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and President David Granger

President David Granger, representatives of Bosai, Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes, Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin, were among some of the numerous dignitaries present.

President Granger, in delivering the feature address, said the social impact and contributions of the bauxite industry to the Guyanese society is impossible to calculate. He spoke of the days when the industry bloomed and people from all walks of life flocked to Linden in search of higher wages. The industry, he noted, also provided thousands of jobs to Guyanese and was a major contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He noted that the occasion of the unveiling of the arch is a significant one, while sharing his hope that it becomes a beacon of hope.

“… I see this arch as an arc of hope, a gateway to the future, an entrance to a new path, rather than an exit from a lone enterprise. This arch, first of all pays homage, homage to the pioneering people who built this industry with picks and shovels. This arch is a promise to future generations… It is my hope that this arch will not only commemorate the centenary of bauxite but become a beacon of hope for all of us in this country,” he said.

Chairman of the Bauxite Century Board Horace James, in his remarks, said bauxite mining has been one of the greatest achievements for Linden and Region 10, which he noted also played a great role in World War II. Expressing appreciation to Bosai for the gifting of the arch, James said it is intended to be more than a structure to drive under but an important space in the community to educate and inspire its youths. The area designated for the arch is a significant one, James told the gathering, since it was one where significant activities relating to bauxite occurred. He said it is the most fitting place for the arch since it is the point where Watooka, the West Bank (Wismar) and Mackenzie meet.

Meanwhile, China’s Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin emphasised the importance of the arch as a national symbol, noting that the occasion will go down in history as a memorable one. He also expressed his hope for Bosai to continue to develop and contribute to the social and economic development of Guyana. Also present to mark the auspicious event were Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian and Bishop of Guyana, Reverend Charles Davidson, among others.

Following the ceremony, the bauxite centennial plaque was unveiled by President Granger to mark the official unveiling of the arch.

The centennial arch was constructed at a cost of over $20 million.

The arch lies at the intersection of Casuarina Drive and the Washer Pond Road, Linden. It is divided into four components, including the foundation, main frame, crown and the centennial seal. The main frame, which stands at 51 feet, contains two semi-circular arcs, with extended bed arms on both sides. It spans 95 feet across the Washer Pond Roadway. Sitting at the top of the main frame is a crown which carries the logos of the different companies involved in the mining of bauxite over the hundred-year period. It is also decorated with golden Cacique features to its North, South, East and West sides. The flag of Guyana adorns the base. Additionally, there are flag and lamp poles equipped with lights around the arch. It also contains information plates of the Mayors of Linden, Regional Chairmen and the 14 years the region won the National Schools Athletics Championship.