It was built to honour five martyrs who were slain during an uprising at Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast (Region Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam) in 1872, but the present state of the Devonshire Castle Monument is deemed unacceptable, and has since become a growing concern to residents of the area.
Bushes surround the historical monument
According to information reaching this publication, this monument — located in Cabbage Dam, Devonshire Castle — is presently in an environment surrounded by bushes, and its condition has not caught the attention of the relevant authorities.
Concerned residents have related to this publication that some efforts should be made to clear the bushes and maintain the area, as it is a part of Guyana’s history.
Acting Mayor of Anna Regina, Darshan Persaud, when contacted, revealed that due to the lack of funds, the town is not in a position to maintain its monument sites. He expressed concern that while monies are being spent on parks, the Region Two Administration does not see it fit to maintain heritage sites in the region.
“These monuments are there to remind us of the many struggles our fore-parents endured to make Guyana a free land for all to live and enjoy, and we must at no time allow our rich history to go down the drain. The five sugar workers: Kaulica, Beccaroo, Maxidally, Baldeo and Auckloo, paid the price for better working conditions for all with their precious lives, and at no time should we allow their struggle and sacrifice to be forgotten,” the acting mayor said.
Regional Chairman Davanand Ramdatt, in a comment on the issue, said monies have been budgeted in the Region’s 2019 Budget; and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), in collaboration with the National Trust, will have a shed built at the monument site, while other maintenance works will be undertaken.
