ORIGINALLY, Arrival Day was referred to as Indian Arrival Day, and it was celebrated specifically for the arrival of the Indian ancestors who came to Guyana on May 5, 1838. However, the meaning of the holiday was later broadened to include all ethnic groups in 2017 by the then President of Guyana, David Granger.

Many Chinese and other immigrants also came to Guyana as indentured servants, but the bulk of the people came from India, which is why over 40 per cent of Guyana’s population today is of Indian descent.

Last Friday, Guyanese from all walks of life honoured the first indentured labourers who came from India and arrived in the country on May 5, 1838. It was also a celebration of the accomplishments of all those who arrived in Guyana with their descendants and have contributed to the collective struggle to develop the country and lobby for its independence.

Speaking with the Sunday Chronicle, Mayadevi Awadhesh said that “Arrival Day is a very significant holiday for all Guyanese, regardless of our culture or ethnicity. It is an opportunity for us, as young people, to educate ourselves on the history of our ancestors and all that they brought with them to Guyana.

“I strongly believe that they played an integral role in the development and shaping of our people and our country. We must remember that times are different now and that we are in an era where we are free to enjoy, celebrate, and appreciate each other and each other’s culture.

“The difficulties of multiculturalism have been a hardship for us as young people. However, Guyana is a shining example of how people from different ethnic backgrounds can live in peace, work together for the common good, and show respect for one another. We must also make an effort to protect this legacy.”

Additionally, Mayadevi said that Arrival Day honours Guyana’s multicultural background and the immigrants who made the country more culturally diverse. According to her, their cultural influence may be seen in the local people’s beliefs, celebrations, attire, music, dance, cuisine, values, and traditions.

“Even though the world is more technologically advanced, we as young people should not forget our roots, where we came from, and the people who made the sacrifices for us to enjoy most of what we are enjoying right now,” Mayadevi said.

Anjanie Aroon, another young woman of mixed race, told the Sunday Chronicle, “I recalled reading that 240,000 Indians traveled for a very long time by ship to the colony of British Guiana, and the majority of them stayed and established roots here.

“This year, on the 185th anniversary of their arrival, it is nice that we can commemorate their arrival in Guyana.

“I believe that the landscape of our nation has been altered on a human, physical, economic, social, and cultural level by the indentured Indian immigrants, and Indians who were brought to the country. It is also said that the indentured servants contributed to the independence movement and the improvement of living and working conditions, as well as maintaining the sugar industry and diversifying economic activities.

“I take pride in knowing that we are descendants of strong and resilient ancestors, and we have to also remember that their offspring have made and continue to make immeasurable, constructive contributions to every area of national growth. I would encourage all of us young people to take a page out of our ancestor’s book and let us contribute to this beautiful country that we get to call Guyana.”