Historical Indian Arrival Day Celebrated In South Florida featuring Trinidad and Tobago & Guyana culture
By Shama Harrysingh
SOUTH FLORIDA – For the first time in South Florida’s history, Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honorable Dr. Anil Ramnanan and The Honorary Consul of Guyana, The Honorable Mr. Ramzan Roshanali joined hands to host Indian Arrival Day.
The Historic event was held at the Walter C Young Center in Pembroke Pines on June 8th 2013. Mr. Gideon Hanoomansingh, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Communications in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago was a special guest.
Honorable Dr. Anil Ramnanan greeted the audience stating that it was no mistake that the Indian Arrival Day function was held on June 8th. It was held in the month of June to coincide with Caribbean-American Heritage Month, when Caribbean-Americans celebrate their history, culture and achievements.
Dr. Ramnanan said that “Unity between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana is not new and tonight’s joint effort is a testimony to the commitment of Trinidad and Tobago to that unity.”
East Indians, he added, have made valuable contributions to the growth and development of their new home, Trinidad and Tobago socially, culturally, economically, and politically, citing the ascension of Prime Minister, Kamla Persad Bissessar as the first female Prime Minister in Trinidad and Tobago among other outstanding luminaries locally and abroad.
The Consul General recalled that the very food distributed at the evening’s, function, the clothes worn, the music and dance were brought by our ancestors one hundred and sixty-eight years ago along with their religion and we should take a moment to reflect on their values and thank them.
He mentioned that East Indians around the world are fortunate to have celebrations throughout the year, some of which are Mahashivaratri, Holi, Hanuman Jayanti, Eid and Divali.
He gave high praise to the audience stating that “we share a history that unifies us.”
Dr. Ramnanan advised the audience to embrace their rich and diverse culture and to continue to unite with other cultures to build a strong community. Religious leaders from different faiths opened the function followed by an evening of entertainment with performances by renowned singers Adesh Nandlal, Terry Gadraj , Omadath Maharaj, Bharath Boochoon playing dhantal accompanied by Atesh Indarjit on the dholak, singer-entertainer, Danny Balgobin also known as ‘Jumping Jack’ had the audience choking with laughter, and the sweet rythms of one of Florida’s top tassa groups ‘Romeo and the Boys’.
The audience was deeply moved by Jaya Devi’s closing performance entitled ‘The Arrival’ dancing to ‘Vande Maataram’ (Mother I bow to thee) the national song of India with a fusion of chutney and calypso music.
It was a fitting finale to a very memorable evening.
