Jack says thanks, urges nation to remember and emulate Indian ancestors

Jack Warner distributes gifts to children during his Indian Arrival celebration motorcade.  Photo by Ann Dookie,  Warner's Press Officer

Jack Warner thanked his constituents and citizens who sent emails and made phone calls to support him during the past few days when he was the subject of an investigation by FIFA.

He was speaking at an Indian Arrival Day event that included a huge motorcade that snaked its way through various communities in the constituency, ending in Felicity.

He said he was humbled by the outpouring of love. "For that I am humbled and I thank you most sincerely," he said.

 He spoke of the significance of the Indians who began arriving in Trinidad 166 years ago to give a second life to the economy of the island by reviving the sugar plantations that were in decline after emancipation.

"It was a journey into uncharted and mysterious territory made attractive by the prospect of hope for a better life...

"History records that they came not as free immigrants and farmers but as contract laborers. What they found here was not what was promised...The work was harder and the living conditions were very harsh. It is also recorded that they suffered many forms of oppression and exploitation at the hands of their employers," Warner said.

"Not only did they fulfill their contractual obligations, but many opted to remain and make this country their home, contributing to its ongoing development in the process.

"The effects and influence is indelibly woven into the fabric of our daily lives; in our food, music, art and other forms of culture. The descendants of the East Indian immigrant workers have a presence in all areas of society, from politics to business, science and academics, at every step leaving their mark and making their contribution," he said.

The MP added that Indian Arrival Day 2011 is an opportunity to remember the struggles of our forefathers, the oppressive and adverse conditions under which they toiled in the fields, the sacrifices they made so that their children and future generations could have a life with better opportunities, and their determination through the years.

"It is also a time to reflect on the progress we have made as individual citizens and as a nation as a result of the presence and contribution of the indentured labourers and their offspring to the national landscape," he said.

"We must recognize that Trinidad and Tobago is a cosmopolitan society and our country would not be that which we know it to be today were it not for the influence of the many cultures that have converged on these humble shores; it would be a place we might not recognize.

"This occasion also presents an opportunity for the nation, and particularly the descendants of the East Indian immigrants to contemplate the future; the further contributions we will each make to national development and how we will do such.

"As we observe and commemorate the 166th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians to Trinidad let us all take a moment and look back at the journey that has brought us to where we are today as a nation.

"Let us emulate the example set by our ancestors that hard work and determination has rewards; that nothing is impossible as long as we do not give up," Warner said.

Jack enjoys a moment with kids in the playground he installed at Jubilee Recreation Ground. Ann Dookie photo