Hundreds exhorted to reflect on past struggles
CELEBRATING the arrival of Indians in Guyana is not all about music, dance, pageantry and storytelling but serious thoughts must be spared for the struggles waged by past leaders and ancestors, some of whom were killed and beaten. That was the exhortation of President Bharrat Jagdeo to the hundreds who turned up at Joe Vieira Park, West Bank Demerara, on Thursday, when he graced the Arrival Day occasion with his presence.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Ministers Irfaan Ali and Manniram Prashad, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Chairman Julius Faerber and several other prominent personalities attended the annual celebration organised by the Indian Religious, Cultural and Social Organisation (IRCSO) of Guyana.

This year marked the 173rd anniversary of Indians’ arrival and the IRCSO programme featured songs, dances, poetry, skits in a show that catered for children as well.
The main feature of the event was the float parade in which 20 communities participated, showcasing the harsh conditions that the Indian ancestors endured and the manner in which the situation changed, progressively, over the years.
The floats were judged for a competition and the prize-giving ceremony will take place on May 26, at Vreed-en-Hoop Primary School, West Coast Demerara at 13:00hrs.
President Jagdeo said the organisers of the event have been persistent and resilient in putting together the activity year after year, for many decades, in order to ensure that the people of Indian origin who came to Guyana would never forget the culture they brought.
“They deserve our highest commendation,” said the Head of State.
He said it was a good thing that families took their children as it is through with them that the country’s rich legacy can be maintained.
Commenting on the struggles of past leaders and ancestors, Mr. Jagdeo said: “Their struggle has been an intense one…one by all of our people to gain dignity in this land and then a struggle to get freedom for our country from British colonial rule.”
He said pride can be derived from the fact that it was the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the first political party in Guyana, formed in 1950, that led the struggle for Guyana’s independence.

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS
“We come from a very difficult past and we have made significant progress. That progress must continue. And I am not sad that this will be the last year that I will address you as President of Guyana on an Arrival Day. I’m not sad because I know that the person who is going to be our next president, Donald Ramotar, is a person who will continue the legacy of our party,” President Jagdeo said.
He pointed out that Ramotar has been General Secretary of the PPP for over a decade, grew up in the party, was a close confidant of late President Cheddi Jagan and an economist by training.
“He has my full support and will continue to get my full support. I thank you for the support I have received from you over the many years and I hope that Donald Ramotar will continue to enjoy that support,” President Jagdeo said.
He continued: “I hope that you understand that the party that I come from doesn’t have only individual leaders. We act as a collective and we will continue to struggle to change our country for the better. There will be a lot of turns on the road. It’s not going to be a smooth road because we came from a very difficult past, but we are committed that whatever road we confront, we will continue to make progress for our country.

All of the floats depicted the harsh conditions experienced by our ancestors of the past. At the same time, some also showed how Guyana has progressed over the long years, with much of that progress coming in the past decade or so under the current PPP/C government.

“So I ask you to understand that struggle, to understand that this is a special year and you need also to be part of this struggle to continue Guyana on the pathway it is going. When I took over the country, it was in turmoil. We’re [now] at peace. Our people are living together. This land belongs to all of our people.”
President Jagdeo also acknowledged the other groups who came to Guyana made a significant contribution to the country, as well.
Prime Minister Hinds, in brief remarks, concurred it was the occasion for reflecting on the progress that the country has made since the difficult times of the past.
He said this should inspire young people in Guyana to stay right here and help develop the country, sticking to the motto to be one people, one nation with one destiny.
Regional Chairman Julius Faerber lauded the PPP
Government for the better standard of living it has afforded Guyanese over the years.
He recalled that the Indians, along with other ethnic groups, came to Guyana on two ships after enduring the 112 days’ journey from India and reminded that 414 persons came on the ships, 18 died before arriving and many were plagued with diseases.