Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on Thursday urged citizens to continue to work together as “one people” towards national aspirations.
He was speaking at the time at the Joe Vieira Park, where a cultural extravaganza was held to commemorate the 173rd anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana. The event was organised by the Indian Religious Cultural and Social Organisation (IRCSO), a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
In his feature address, Hinds said, “It’s good that we should look back, we should have these representations on these floats, so that we can see the progress that we have made over the last 50 years.” He said too the descendants of Indians have made significant contributions to Guyana as well as the other peoples that came to this land. Hinds then urged the audience to work together in order to realise the country’s motto of “one people, one nation, one destiny.”
In addition, Indian High Commissioner Subit Kumar Madal and Head of Chancery, Second Secretary, Kundom Lal Nuna, extended greetings from the Government of India to Guyanese, particularly the Indian community. Madal said the celebration of Arrival Day recalls the dedication and sacrifices of not only those who came from India but also of those who came from across the world.
According to GINA, the IRCSO, of West Demerara, has been promoting the event since 1988. It was founded by Angad Rupee, who is now the organisation’s president. IRCSO Secretary Deo Rupee said the Indian culture has maintained its authenticity since the arrival of Indians to Guyana, evidenced by over 6,000 people present at the event. He noted that the culture is relevant to the development of the people and in the maintenance of a general lifestyle.
The cultural programme included singing, tassa drumming and classical and modern dances from various dance troupes. The Nitrageet Dance Troupe was singled out for its dances, which wowed the crowd.
The highlight of the programme was the traditional float parade, which featured 17 floats depicting the arrival of the 939 indentured immigrants from India who arrived on the shores of Guyana in 1838 on the ships Whitby and Hesperus.
GINA said President Bharrat Jagdeo along with ministers Manniram Prashad and Irfaan Ali, members of Diplomatic Corps and the Indian Commemoration Trust, also attended the fete.
Indian delicacies were on sale and various booths depicted several aspects of the Indian culture, while prizes were awarded to the winner in the senior and junior tassa drumming contests and to the winners of the float parade.
