Rowley urges all to build rich legacy for generations to come

Keith Rowley

In May 1845 the Fatel Razack arrived in Trinidad, bringing the first group of indentured labourers from India to work on the sugar estates. 

Since their arrival however, the indentured labourers and their descendants have done so much more than labour on sugar estates; they have helped to build our young nation Trinidad and Tobago.

In every area of our society the East Indian influence can be seen. Culturally, East Indian flavours have infused our music, dance, festivals and cuisine. 

Every year we join our Hindu brothers and sister in celebrating Divali and the Muslim community in celebrating Eid ul-Fitr and other festivals of religious significance. In various fields including education, law, medicine and politics East Indians have made laudable contributions to our nation's development.

While some unprincipled people have over the years found it in their own self-serving interest to create and promote racial divide, Trinidad and Tobago's history illustrates, for the most part, a level of racial togetherness of which we can be proud. 

This is undoubtedly to the credit of all of us whose forefathers came here from different lands, made this our home and to this day we continue to work side by side to develop our nation. As such I encourage all citizens to continue to build a rich legacy of which our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren could be proud.

On behalf of the leadership and members of the People's National Movement, I wish the East Indian community and by extension all citizens Happy Indian Arrival Day and May God bless our nation.

Dr. Keith Rowley | Leader of the Opposition