By: Shama Harrysingh
FT, LAUDERDALE – On May 10th, The beautiful Hibiscus Restaurant was transformed into a sea of enthusiastic people from Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica and other Caribbean Islands who assembled to commemorate the arrival of Indentured Indians to Guyana and the Caribbean one hundred and sixty-nine years ago. In sharp contrast to the uncertainty held by our foreparents, the venue was filled with a people proud of their achievements and heritage
Graced by the presence of The Hon. Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan, Honoured guest, The Hon. Consul General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Miami, Dr. Anil Ramnanan, Honorary Consul for Guyana, The Hon. Ramzan Roshanali, Prominent artist, Mr. Sirju Seeharack Mohan and Mrs. Elsie Mohan, Mrs. Kaye Chong – Caribbean Airlines Representative, Mr. Michael Ragoonath, Mr. Kamal Abdool, President of Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora and other attendees, Friends of the Hibiscus restaurant,Sunrise Boulevard, Sunrise, Florida hosted a historical Indian Arrival Day Celebration, Awards, Dinner and Dance.
The event began with an invocation by Pundit David Rambharose followed by a prayer of thanks by Pundit Krishna Maharaj. Attendees enjoyed a cultural evening with entertainment by Alex Pooran, Khamrune Ali, Neera Maharaj, Pundit Neil Persad, Champa Chameli Dance Group, Jaya Devi Dance Group, Tassa drumming by Romeo Tassa Boyz and music by DJ Viren,
Featured speaker, The Honourable, Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan in his address said:
“I am extremely happy to be here this evening to join you in celebrating the anniversary of the arrival and presence of East Indians in the Caribbean and the and the Republic Guyana.
Tonight is a night of celebration of our presence, our cultural persistence, our survival and indeed our growth and development over the years, it is also a night to offer our collective prayers for the courageous and entrepreneurial souls who came, worked hard, built families and communities and of course joined others who have come before them in sowing the seeds of a nation”.
Dr. Rambachan reminded the audience that Indian Arrival Day is an important day and noted that there is no way that the present generation can repay the Indian indentured workers for the legacy they have. left. He praised them for their wealth, happiness, values and dharma.
“We cannot as people ever give up our cultural selves, we must continue to practice and be proud of our rich and diverse culture wherever we reside. I am extremely proud of all of you tonight for your achievements”.
Dr. Anil Ramnanan, Consul General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Miami welcome Dr. Rambachan and greeted the audience. In his speech he said, “ The consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago wishes to thank the Caribbean Cache Inc. for their commitment and dedication to preserving our rich culture by hosting Indian Arrival Day Celebrations 2014.
The arrival of the East Indians has significantly contributed to the cultural, economic and social landscape of not only Trinidad and Tobago, but also the entire Caribbean. Regardless of ethnicity, we all share in the success of our Indian community as a living example of triumph in the face of challenges. May this celebration be an example of the national unity forged by the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago that proudly creates the myriad society that we are”.
Dr. Rambachan was honoured by the committee members for his invaluable contribution to and promulgation of Indian Arts and Culture throughout the Caribbean, he was also presented with an oil portrait painted by renown artist Mr. Sirju Seeharack Mohan (State of Art) Pompano Beach , Florida for his commitment to Indian Culture.
Dr. Anil Ramnanan was presented with an award for his service to the South Florida Community.
Mr. Mohan painted and presented an oil portrait to Shama Harrysingh for her literary work and dedication to community and cultural services.
Twenty-six awards were given to nationals for their sterling contribution to the Community.
Shama Harrysingh, President of Caribbean Cache Inc., said, “The celebration of Indian Arrival Day gives us time to pause and reflect on the monumental achievement of our ancestors. Their creativity, perseverance, steadfastness of purpose, resilience and their spiritual and moral values are anchored securely in generations following. From those humble and painful beginnings have emerged a people fully equipped to face the challenges of the future.”
Shama thanked all the sponsors and supporters, attendees and committee members for their generous support.
At the end of the evening, every one had a good time creating great camaraderie.
