MSJ leader says Indian Arrival celebrates integration of cultures

On behalf of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) I am pleased to take this opportunity to extend greetings to the East Indian community on the occasion of Indian Arrival Day. 

Indeed this celebration has significance not just to one group but to all of Trinidad and Tobago. 

It is hardly arguable that from the arrival of the Fath Al Razak there has been transformation in every sphere of life in this country; from the foods we eat to the way we understand ourselves.

The atrocities of Indentureship are often highlighted but of even more importance is the resolve shown by a people who overcame those atrocities. 

All of our histories are intertwined and we draw strength from the self determination of those who came before and laid a solid foundation so that we may enjoy the advantages today which we sometimes take for granted. 

As we reflect on that journey across the kala pani to present day, the Indo Trinbagonian community has left an indelible mark on our identity. But even as we celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s diversity we must also celebrate those before us who, under the reign of colonisation, spared no effort to forge unity in that diversity against the backdrop of concentrated efforts to engender animosity and division.

So on May 30th we celebrate diversity, we celebrate the integration of cultures; we celebrate what makes us Trinbagonian. The MSJ again extends greetings to the East Indian community as we celebrate Indian Arrival Day.

David Abdulah | Political Leader, MSJ