Georgetown , GINA, May 5, 2006

Thousands of East Indians and Guyanese of mixed ethnic groups braved the inclement weather today to celebrate the occasion of the 168 th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians in then British Guiana.

The Indian Religious, Cultural and Social Organisation celebrated the occasion with pomp and ceremony at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and joining them were President Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

Addressing the large gathering, President Jagdeo noted that the importance attached to the anniversary celebration signals the significance of the event in Guyana. However, he pointed out that this significance to Guyana is not more than that which is attached to the culture of the other five ethnic groups in the country.

“All Guyanese must be proud of their history and ancestry…we all have a duty to preserve the rich culture that we brought to this country, which today forms part of the national culture. And we also need to ensue that as we celebrate this rich Indian culture, that we give recognition to other cultures,” he said.

The Head of State expressed satisfaction that each group in the multi-religious, ethnic and cultural Guyana can celebrate their legacy as a proud people.

“A multi-cultural society is a society that has strengths. Multi-culturalism should not be a source of division and once the PPP/C government remains in Office this outlook would be readily pursued,” President Jagdeo committed.

However, the Head of State reminded citizens that there are forces that threatens the peace and stability in society, using arguments and force against these principles.

Explaining, the Head of State noted that as the 2006 General Elections approaches, some persons have begun spreading rumours that his administration is promoting East Indian dominance.

“But the record of the PPP is clear. We have worked for all the people of this country. We don’t want to dominate anyone, but definitely, we are not going to allow ourselves to be dominated. This country is for all its people and we will continue to pursue that goal,” he assured.

Commenting on the current crime situation, President Jagdeo said the recent assassination of former Government Minister Satyadeow Sawh was an assault on democracy, a hard-won right of every Guyanese.

“We owe it to ourselves and our children never to be cowed, never to be fearful because of these attacks. We always have to ensure that within our hearts we remain strong,” the President urged, adding that every society has problems, but what is important is how these are dealt with.

Remembering the struggles of fore-parents was also among the critical messages of the President’s address.

“I want you all to take strength from your foreparents, so that the children of this country would have a better life,” the President urged, noting that the indentured labourers came here under harsh conditions and were deprived of basic rights.

The Head of State also cautioned the young generation to never be narrow-minded and at all times respect other people’s culture as well as show respect to the elders in society.

“The culture that we come from is not just about singing and dancing. It is about values that we believe in, respecting our elders, taking care of our children, educating them, working hard and honestly so that we can accumulate wealth for the next generation and fighting for what is right. So as we celebrate here today, don’t just get caught-up with the singing and the dancing. Our culture has a deeper meaning,” the President said.

Arrival Day was first celebrated in Guyana in 2004 and it is being celebrated to honour the arrival of Chinese, Portuguese and East Indians, to Guyana’s foreshores, all during the month of May.

May is the month when most immigrants came to Guyana as Indentured labourers. The East Indians came on May 5, 1838 and was the largest group.

At the last IAC Mela in April 2003, East Indians requested Government’s support for a National holiday to commemorate Indians’ arrival to Guyana’s foreshores in 1838. The President mandated Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud to establish a Committee in the National Assembly comprising members of all the Parliamentary Parties, to put a motion forward so Parliament can examine the possibility of an Arrival /Indentureship Day. He had also pledged the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s support for the motion.

At first the idea was mooted to have an Arrival/Indenturedship Day in Guyana.

In June 2003, the Special Select Committee met to select representatives to the body. The body constituted the Minister of Home Affairs (Chairman,) Dr. Dale Bisnauth, Mrs. Indranie Chandarpal, Ms. Shirley Edwards, Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, Mr. Deryck Bernard, Ms. Amna Ally, Dr. George Norton, and Mr. Ravindra Dev.

Work began in December 2003 and the Committee met on several occasions thereafter. The Special Select Committee agreed to garner public opinion about including May 5 and May 26 Arrival Day and Independence Day as public holidays.

Members of the public were subsequently invited to submit contributions through public notices in the press in December, 2003. Fifteen submissions were made from nine organisations and six individuals. Most of these submissions came from Region Four.

The Special Select Committee invited persons and organisations that made written and oral submissions on March 17, 2004.

Groups that supported the inclusion of the two holidays were: the Indian Arrival Committee, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the Guyanese Indian Foundation Trust, the Guyana Islamic Trust and the National Front Alliance.

On April 29, the National Assembly approved the motion by the Special Select Committee on the Review of Public Holidays, adding two public holidays to the quota for the year.

The event also featured an extensive cultural programme that included dances from a special dance troops from India and several local Mandirs.

Photos - Office of the President

Government Information Agency (GINA).