After 103 days it arrived in Trinidad on 30th May 1845. The Congress of the People is pleased to extend best wishes to the national community as we celebrate the 167th Anniversary of this landmark event in the historic year of our 50th year as an independent nation.
During these 167 years the Indian community has undoubtly made tremendous progress in many areas such as: education, economic, social, cultural, political, in the state and private sectors.
Today our challenge is, how does the diaspora living in a multiethnic society, transform itself while at the same time preserving its rich heritage as we confront an uncertain 21st century.
During these 167 years the Indian community has undoubtly made tremendous progress in many areas such as: education, economic, social, cultural, political, in the state and private sectors.
Today our challenge is, how does the diaspora living in a multiethnic society, transform itself while at the same time preserving its rich heritage as we confront an uncertain 21st century.
Part of the answer may lie in the words of James Arthur Baldwin, "If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go."
Searching for a better life, our forebears crossed the Kala Pani with an entrenched culture and of course their Jahaji bundles! Admittedly while the early descendants have maintained a significant part of their culture, today other cultures have also impacted on us.
Here we live in harmony with our fellow African, European, Chinese and Middle Eastern descendants, all having their unique culture and perspective. We all are proud to call here home.
Therefore as we shape our nation's future, the most important premise, is that all must feel that their interests are genuinely looked after. Tokenism will no longer work. To facilitate equitable representation and inclusiveness Constitution reform including proportional representation must be a priority.
Building a nation is no easy task. Fortunately our indentured foreparents provided many lessons for us. Values such as: self reliance, enduring patience and hard work. They performed an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.
Building a nation is no easy task. Fortunately our indentured foreparents provided many lessons for us. Values such as: self reliance, enduring patience and hard work. They performed an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.
Looking after the family was their responsibility and dependence on the state for basic needs were unheard of. They also believed that truth and sincerity of purpose always lead to success. While we are the product of this value system, today the question begs itself; are we still adhering to these values or do we need to redirect our compass?
In closing, as we celebrate let us do so cognizant of the fact that all of us arrived, albeit at different times.
In closing, as we celebrate let us do so cognizant of the fact that all of us arrived, albeit at different times.
Today therefore is a celebration for all of Trinidad and Tobago. While we each contribute our distinctive colour to the Coalition of colours that constitute our rainbow nation, we all must remember that the most important colours are red, white and black.
To quote from the recent composition by Black Stalin and Rikki Jai: “Mere Dosti, Mere Yaar (my friend, my brother).”
We must love for our fellowman the things we love for ourselves. Only then will our nation experience, "absolutely no limitations to where you can go".
In celebrating, the most fitting way to honour the early immigrants who set such high standards for us is that we should endeavour to lift the bar higher. As we look to the future, let us continue the work of building a progressive nation, so that we too shall leave a better inheritance for our children than the one we received.
Happy Indian Arrival Day to all.
Prakash Ramadhar | Political Leader, Congress of the People
Happy Indian Arrival Day to all.
Prakash Ramadhar | Political Leader, Congress of the People
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