PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, last Friday evening, congratulated the organisers of the celebration of the Indian Arrival Committee’s (IAC) ‘Hamara Guyana Concerts’ the first of which was held at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, and described the event as recognition of the sacrifices, suffering and contribution of those who came close to 200 years ago.

Those who were brought to Guyana’s shores made a major contribution to the local society, President Ramotar said. “From the time they arrived here in 1838, they were engaged in tremendous struggles both to enhance their own living and working conditions, and at the same time coincided for the betterment of all Guyana”.

He recalled incidents at communities such as Leonora, Enmore and Uitvlugt which saw indentured labourers being shot and killed, and the eventual struggle for Guyana’s independence.
The aforementioned struggles with others in the local population, according to the Head of State produced “giants of men and women, forged in the anvil of struggle for freedom, for liberation and for a better life”.
Standing head and shoulders above all was the late President and Founder of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, “a man who gave all of himself, all of his fantastic intellect, and his strength devoted to the struggle for Guyana. That is why all recognise him as the father of this nation,” the President stated.
Today, Guyanese are heading to a major junction that will decide whether their country goes forward, “as we work towards forging the national unity that we all dream of and work so hard to build and to work to develop the unique Guyanese culture that we want. We would love to recognise the contribution of every ethnic group in this regard, and on this occasion we recognise the great contribution by our ancestors, the Indians who came here to add a very important ancient culture, to bring it here, to contribute to develop the unique Guyanese culture that we have all been striving and working for.”
President Ramotar also called on those gathered to work with Government to ensure the country does not regress, but continue the upward climb which it began in 1992 and ensure it achieves its full potential, “where it will provide a high quality of life for every single Guyanese”.
Also addressing the gathering of thousands of people was former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo who described the journey of their ancestors as a “long one”. He said it is important not to lose perspective of the struggles made along that journey. The dignity that Indians fought hard for and achieved is constantly under threat, according to Dr. Jagdeo, “through bullyism and the unwillingness to accept that times have changed and the old methods of repression cannot work in this era”.
Those who are the purveyors of this past, now “come in new guises”, he posited.
“If we allow ourselves to have this freedom snatched away from us then it would be long dark days for our country again and our ancestors would never be proud of us,” he warned.

Dr Jagdeo noted that while all are equal regardless of race or religion, the Indian group that came to Guyana brought a rich culture and tradition, philosophy and music. “….rest assured that no-one should tell you that you are second class in your own country. You have to stand up to forces that try to make you that way,” the former President declared.
He urged persons to support the PPP/C party as it is one that would never resort to violence, to snatch away anyone’s freedom, but would allow its children to flourish and dream the dreams of any society.
“We are not better than anyone, but we are a proud people too. We are Guyanese first and foremost, but we are proud of our ancestry,” he said.
A similar event was staged at the Anna Regina (Essequibo) Community Centre Ground last evening and another is slated for the Albion Sports Complex, on May 5.
The artistes’ for these concerts include KI Persaud, Artie Butkoon, Marissa Deodat, Satnarine Ragoo and Terry Gajraj.
Included also is a Choka Fest with Seven Curry Food Booths, special delicacies out of India, and a wide range of sweetmeats and non-alcoholic beverages. (GINA)