By Navendra Seoraj

FORMER Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, has joined the call for national unity, contending that Indians, Africans and other races all played some part in the struggle for a better Guyana. On Thursday, Guyanese observed the 178th anniversary of Indian arrival to these shores and the Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT) hosted the annual cultural show Pushpanjali, at the Indian Monument Gardens, to celebrate the occasion.

Prior to the achievement of independence in 1966, and subsequent to the Emancipation of Africans and the abolition of slavery, East Indians arrived here on May 5, 1838, to work on the sugar plantations.
They were followed by the Portuguese and Chinese.
In his reflection, Ramkarran noted the hardships the immigrants had endured under the system of Indentureship and their struggles to improve their lot.
He also spoke about the unity among Africans, Indians and other races to obtain their freedom and to secure Guyana’s independence , stressing that these must be cherished and must serve as an inspiration to take Guyana forward.
“We must break the political divide if Guyana is to move forward as a cohesive nation. If this continues, it will never gain the status as a developed country. Thus, a multi-ethnic and inclusionary political society is needed to battle the hardships once again.”
His sentiments were echoed by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who emphasised the need for all to work as one for the good of Guyana.
And on that note, he called on everyone to come together and be part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations on May 26.
The occasion was attended by scores of persons who were entertained by songs, dances and captivating speeches.
The ICT also used the opportunity to launch their open-air museum which provides a history of East Indians in Guyana.
A number of persons who contributed to the development of the ICT and Guyana were honoured in recognition of their outstanding services.