-Minister Anthony tells Pushpanjali gathering
MINISTER of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony has urged Guyanese to stand tall on the contributions made by their ancestors and work towards the prosperity of their country.
The minister was at the time addressing a large gathering of Indo-Guyanese at the Indian Monument Site on Church and Camp Streets, on Sunday evening, during the hosting of ‘Pushpanjali 2010’, which ushers in the 172nd anniversary of the arrival of East Indians to Guyana.
According to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA), the Minister, while congratulating the Indian Commemoration Trust for organizing the event, said that the organisation over the years has advocated for Indian rights.
“They have done a very splendid job of advocating and helping to ensure that this rich and diverse culture is kept alive,” Minister Anthony said.
GINA said  Dr. Anthony noted that Arrival Day was especially set aside to remember the persons who were ‘transplanted in Guyana’.
He said that persons who came from Asia, Africa and Europe, brought their culture and rich diversity to Guyana.
“May 5 celebrates our rich diversity as a people and I think because of the exposure that we have had living with each other and enjoying each other’s culture that we can truly say as Guyanese that we are blessed,” Dr. Anthony said.
The Culture Minister stated that despite the harsh conditions experienced by Guyanese forefathers during their service as labourers in the then British Guiana, they were able through resolve to make substantial contributions to the development of the country.
“In every sector of this country we have seen that they have contributed…almost in all spheres you would have seen the indentured labourers. Our ancestors have enriched the Guyanese culture…the beautiful clothing, music, food, festivals have now been accepted as part of the Guyanese culture,” he said.
Minister Anthony told the gathering that as they reflect on the significance and contributions made by their ancestors, they have much to be proud of since they (ancestors) have laid a strong foundation for Guyanese.
The event featured performances including dances, songs, stage plays and addresses.
There were also Indian foods on sale, including sweet meats and beverages.
East Indians first arrived in British Guiana on May 5, 1838 aboard the ships HMS Whitby and the HMS Hesperus during the period 1838 to 1917.
The Portuguese arrived in May 1835 while the Chinese came in May 1853.