MESSAGE FOR ARRIVAL DAY

May 5, 2015, Source

EVERY year on May 5th, Guyana celebrates the arrival of East Indians to this country. Guyana, a former colony in which the British sugar plantations dominated the economy, recruited East Indians from India to have a reliable, sustained labour force. Between the years 1838-1917, two hundred and thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred and nine Indian workers arrived in the then British Guiana.Even a casual look into history reveals the inhuman conditions, oppression and indignity suffered by our forebears. Life for them under the plantocracy was full of oppressive actions breaching every norm of human rights and replete with experiences of miseries which were not their expectations when they boarded the HESPERUS AND WITHBY on January 13, 1838. The fact that they surmounted must be attributed to their unflinching faith in their religion.

With the arrival of East Indians to the Crown Colony, the sugar industry progressed by leaps and bounds and, instead of importing, Guyana began exporting sugar. With the passage of time, the indentured labourers as they were designated, entered the field of business and as time passed, were qualified in the major professions of law, medicine, engineering and indeed almost every other field.

Indentureship opened a new chapter for Guyana, unfolding the brilliant Indian culture, which was maintained, sustained and practiced. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has been integral in the promotion and sustenance of numerous facets of that glorious culture. Over, the years, our annual arrival celebrations have reflected on the traditions of the past while celebrating our achievements.

Indentureship is an integral part of our history and the occasion ought to be celebrated with a national outlook. The arrival of Indians to Guyana brought with it a culture, a way of life and religion. These have contributed to the cultural richness of this land and must be guarded and zealously preserved and should never be seen as divisive. As we celebrate the 177th anniversary of our forebears, it is mandatory for us to reflect and contemplate on the significance of this historic occasion. On the 5th of May, we shall remember them and applaud their unparalleled contributions to this land and the legacy they bequeathed to us.

The Sabha held beautiful and successful celebrations across the country organised by its Praants in Essequibo, Upper, Central and East Berbice and West Berbice characterised by spectacular cultural presentations, impressive exhibitions, traditional foods and large supportive audiences.

The Sabha would like to congratulate all its Praants and the performers and thank the extremely supportive audiences.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s West Coast Demerara Praant takes great pleasure in inviting you and your family to join them today, 5th May, at 6:00pm at the Oceanview Mandir Compound, WCD for a grand Arrival Day celebration featuring performances by Dharmic Ntitya Sangh, Vishalie Sukram – winner of E-networks Emerging Voices competition, Aamir Khan, Mona Gowkarran, Rekha Singh, Sookrane Boodhoo and other talented singers, musicians and dance groups. Admission is free and there will be lots of tasty dishes, 7 curry and sweets, exhibits, mehendi and more. No alcohol is allowed.

Happy Arrival Day!

By Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud
President, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

PNCR says … Racial harmony, tolerance and understanding essential to further develop Guyana – as party salutes contribution of Guyanese of East Indian decent on 177th anniversary of their arrival here

May 5, 2015, Source

THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has joined all like-minded groups, here at home and in the Diaspora, in celebrating the 177th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians in Guyana. “This occasion offers the opportunity for the nation as a whole to recognise the important role that our East Indian ancestors and fellow compatriots have played in the development of Guyana,” the PNCR said in a message to mark the occasion.

The Party said it also believes this is an opportunity for the nation to understand that “we all share a common destiny” and that racial harmony, tolerance and understanding are essential to the further and overall development of this country. The development of Guyana can no longer be deferred, it said.

“It is, therefore, essential that all stakeholders, especially political parties, and all relevant social groups and organisations make a firm commitment to exercise honesty, maturity and good judgement in order that this nation can put an end to racism, which has often stymied the development of our society and nation,” the PNCR posited.

It therefore, calls on all our citizens to reflect on the significance of this occasion and to take to heart the lesson that racial harmony and understanding are the keys to our survival and long term development.

Arrival Day Greetings

May 5, 2015 | By KNews | Filed Under News, Source

The People’s National Congress Reform

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) joins all like-minded groups, here at home and in the Diaspora, in celebrating the 177thanniversary of the arrival of East Indians in Guyana. This occasion offers the opportunity for the nation as a whole to recognise the important role that our East Indian ancestors and fellow compatriots have played in the development of Guyana.

The Party also believes that this is also an opportunity for the nation to understand that we all share a common destiny and that racial harmony, tolerance and understanding are essential to the further and overall development of this country. The development of Guyana can no longer be deferred. It is, therefore, essential that all stakeholders, especially political parties, and all relevant social groups and organisations make a firm commitment to exercise honesty, maturity and good judgement in order that this nation can put an end to racism, which has often stymied the development of our society and nation.

The PNCR, therefore, calls on all our citizens to reflect on the significance of this occasion and to take to heart the lesson that racial harmony and understanding are the keys to our survival and long term development.

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Mr Sharma Solomon, Regional Chairman - Region 10
On this day the opportunity is taken to say “All hail to Guyana.” Arrival Day has significance for every Guyanese, some whose ancestors have pleasant memories, while others scarred with pain and suffering.

In the 21st Century we must be students of the past and not held captive by the past. The past must serve as lesson to build the present and guide the future. The present must be used to build on the strengths of our ancestors and learn from their mistakes. Our future must see us striving to bequeath a better country to our children.

The presence of our arrival today must be marked by putting systems in place to make real the dream and aspiration of One People, One Nation and One Destiny. This can only be achieved in an environment that respects the equality of all, regardless from whence we came and the circumstances under which we arrived.

Together as One People we must assiduously work to eschew division by respecting our diversity, in that no matter the historical circumstances, Guyana belongs to all of us.

We must recommit in the words of Valarie Rodway in ‘Guyana the Free’ that “We pledge every effort, we’ll cherish this earth. And make here a paradise – Land of our birth. “ It is our duty to make Guyana the home for all Guyanese to feel welcome, respected and the beneficiary of the nation’s resources.

Happy Arrival Day to all!

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The Guyana Trades Union Congress
The Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) congratulates all Guyanese as we mark another Arrival Day. For we, more than most, can truly celebrate the diversity of The People Who Came. GTUC commends the idea of identifying a day where the various racial groups can together reflect on their arrival and contributions in the building of this nation. Arrival Day offers this nation the opportunity to continue forging a Guyanese culture built on our motto of One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

Notwithstanding ugly historical experiences to sustain an economic system of exploitation and oppression, Guyana’s various inhabitants have forged alliances in that today we can celebrate six peoples-Amerindian, African, Chinese, European, East Indian and Mixed- and the wonderful mixed of cultures commonly known as the Guyanese way.

In 2015 as we reflect on the road we have travelled since the Arrival Day proclamation there exists efforts to put race against race, uncaring to the need that our collective wellbeing is reliant on forging a culture guided by spirit and intent to make Guyana a land where all-regardless of how we arrived- can proudly call home and work in a spirit of national unity and nation building.

GTUC calls for the preservation of the spirit and intent of this holiday less this nation be robbed a glorious opportunity for all groups to see themselves and be treated as equals in society. GTUC in congratulating the nation urges every group to safeguard what unites us.

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Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha
Every year on May 5th, Guyana celebrates the arrival of East Indians to this country. Guyana, a former colony in which the British sugar plantations dominated the economy, recruited East Indians from India to have a reliable, sustained labour force. Between the years 1838-1917, two hundred and thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred and nine Indian workers arrived in the then British Guiana.

Indentureship opened a new chapter for Guyana, unfolding the brilliant Indian culture, which was maintained, sustained and practiced. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has been integral in the promotion and sustenance of numerous facets of that glorious culture. Over, the years, our annual arrival celebrations have reflected on the traditions of the past while celebrating our achievements.

Indentureship is an integral part of our history and the occasion ought to be celebrated with a national outlook. The arrival of Indians to Guyana brought with it a culture, a way of life and religion. These have contributed to the cultural richness of this land and must be guarded and zealously preserved and should never be seen as divisive. As we celebrate the 177th anniversary of our forebears, it is mandatory for us to reflect and contemplate on the significance of this historic occasion.  On the 5th of May, we shall remember them and applaud their unparalleled contributions to this land and the legacy they bequeathed to us.

Happy Arrival Day!

all Indians should unite and fight for Pan indianism.

Happy Indian Arrival Day to everyone. Question: Have we arrived?

Each person do arrive at her/his destination, even those who came to then British Guiana many years ago.

Bharat Mata ki Jai. Who said Guyana don't have movie stars. Take a look at a Twist of Royalty that was choreograph by Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud. Put Priya alongside her and we get Maduri and Ash.

That's such a pretty picture and you go spoil um with injecting another name in there. Don't mess up a good thing banna.