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Home > TOP STORY > At ‘Arrival Day’ concert at Albion… President urges nation to stand tall –be proud of who we are as a people
President Donald Ramotar takes time out to meet the artistes of the 'Hamara Guyana concert' held yesterday at the Albion Community Centre Ground
President Donald Ramotar takes time out to meet the artistes of the 'Hamara Guyana concert' held yesterday at the Albion Community Centre Ground

At ‘Arrival Day’ concert at Albion… President urges nation to stand tall –be proud of who we are as a people

 

AS all Guyana observed Arrival Day yesterday, President Donald Ramotar called upon the nation to celebrate the tremendous sacrifices our ancestors made, but most importantly to jealously protect the inroads they made in the quest for the many freedoms we now enjoy. 

He made the call at the Albion Community Centre Ground where a huge gathering was assembled for the Indian Arrival Committee’s (IAC) Arrival Day ‘ Guyana Hamara Concert’.
Said the President at the outset of his brief address, “Arrival Day applies to every Guyanese. As we struggled to build this country, we had to fight against slavery; fight for independence from colonialism…”

President Donald Ramotar interacting with patrons at the IAC 'Hamara Guyana concert' at the Albion Community Centre Ground yesterday

President Donald Ramotar interacting with patrons at the IAC ‘Hamara Guyana concert’ at the Albion Community Centre Ground yesterday

Noting that independence and democracy are two of the gains all Guyanese enjoy today, and that they should not be taken for granted, President Ramotar said: .
“We had to fight against a dictatorship; and freedom only came after 1992. And since then, we have been able to live in freedom to transform our country.”
President Ramotar alluded to the fact that Guyana has been transformed from a Highly Indebted Poor Country to a middle income developing country and that in itself is cause to celebrate.
“Today,” he said, “we are a middle-income developing country, and we could have gone much further. The people in opposition are doing their best to hold back the country, but we have been growing by 5% every year, and even in an economically challenging environment.”
Going forward on May 11 when Guyana is set to hold general and regional elections, the Head of State said the citizens of Guyana have in their hands the power to decide how fast Guyana will grow.
“Our future lies in building a strong and modern economy. I know what we went through for the fight for freedom.” He highlighted the importance of a modern state, and a growing economy, for which the foundations have already been set.
“While we celebrate Arrival Day, we must be proud of who we are, and the culture we brought here. We are not ashamed of who we are, we must be proud of who we are.”
Pledging his government’s commitment to the sugar industry, which the indentured labourers helped to build, President Ramotar said that once re-elected, his government will, over the next five years, invest $20B to support the industry.
“I will see the sugar industry meet better days. Once more, this is an occasion for celebration, and we must commemorate the sacrifices of our foreparents. We would have never met this stage, so we have to reflect on that and not forget history.”
The event was a part of three major “Hamara Guyana Concerts” which coincided with activities to commemorate the 177th anniversary of Indian arrival in Guyana.
Trinidadians KI, Artie Butkoon and Satnarine Raghu, along with International Guyanese artiste Terry Gajraj and Marissa Deodat, put on a splendid show for the large crowd at Albion. The first concert was held on Friday, May 1 at the National Stadium, Providence; and the second on May 2, at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.
Also later in the evening, the President joined the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha for their Arrival Day celebration and concert at the Uitvlugt Mandir ground.
There, the President echoed similar messages as he called for Guyanese to unite and to celebrate the sacrifices and protect the gains fought for by their ancestors. He noted that when the ancestors came they all made a significant contribution to the rich and diverse culture all Guyanese enjoy today.
East Indians first came to then British Guiana in 1838 as indentured labourers to work on the sugar plantations. (GINA)

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PNCR SALUTES THE CONTRIBUTION OF GUYANESE OF EAST INDIAN DECENT ON THE 177TH ANNIVERSARY OF EAST INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY 2015

http://www.inewsguyana.com/arr...rties-organisations/

The People’s National Congress Reform joins 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 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.

 

Django
Last edited by Django
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Looks like Moses and Ramjattan are real Mudheads (R) registered trademark of Shaitaan.

 

Shaitaan, thanks for allowing me to use your trademark word.

the ppp shame to show their face in GT so they went to berbice to try and fool them poor collie people

FM
Originally Posted by warrior:
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Looks like Moses and Ramjattan are real Mudheads (R) registered trademark of Shaitaan.

 

Shaitaan, thanks for allowing me to use your trademark word.

the ppp shame to show their face in GT so they went to berbice to try and fool them poor collie people

When would NI--er like you would stop calling Indians ,collie. This is a celebration of East Indians Arrival Day.

K
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by kp:
. This is a celebration of East Indians Arrival Day.


WRONG.  It is ARRIVAL Day.  Not only East Indians live in Guyana!

The date marks when Indians arrived not African slaves who have to be brought in chains because they were so wild.

R
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by kp:
. This is a celebration of East Indians Arrival Day.


WRONG.  It is ARRIVAL Day.  Not only East Indians live in Guyana!

The date marks when Indians arrived not African slaves who have to be brought in chains because they were so wild.


So caught up being an Indian that yo0u know nothing of Guyana.

 

Guyana consists of 6 races and mixtures of these.

 

Not all Afro Guyanese are descended from people who arrived in Guyana, or even other parts of the Caribbean as slaves. 

 

In addition to post slavery African immigrants, there were also immigrants from Madeira and China.

 

So should only the arrival of Indians be celebrated?

 

I know you the Indo centric racist member of the Indo KKK will think so, but this is not the reality.

 

BTW Barbadians and other Caribbean immigrants didnt arrive in Guyana in chains so ARRIVAL Day also should commemorate their arrival in Guyana.

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

Who is stopping afros from celebrating their arrival?

YOU!

 

the day is to celebrate ALL he didnt arrive as slaves or are indigenous to Guyana.  YOU scream that any acknowledgement of that fact is some indication of an intent to exterminate Indians.

 

Now celebrate ARRIVAL day as it is meant to be and stop being an Indo KKK, at least for one day!

FM
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

Indian arrival day has brought Indians closer than ever.  We will celebrate Pan Indianism as the PNCand MichaelX celebrated Pan Africanism.

hehehehe  no jUSTICE no pEACE

Nehru
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Carib has his Emancipation Day and a whole month, Black History Month.

 

Scumbags like Carib will always dwell in slums because of their racist mentality.


You dont even know what you are writing.

 

Now as you wallow in your tribal cave, what is going to happen to you when black and mixed voters outnumber Indians in 2020.

 

You will scream apan jhat all you want.  Insult black people all you want, and when you add up the votes there will not be enough of them.

 

And you might even discover that next week Tuesday!

FM
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

ATTENTION YUJI22

YOU LIE AGAIN

HERE ARE MOSES & SITA NAGAMOOTOO AT ARRIVAL DAY CEREMONY IN BERBICE

 

 


Look at the PPP liars.  Screaming racial panic.  Then busted.

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

ATTENTION YUJI22

YOU LIE AGAIN

HERE ARE MOSES & SITA NAGAMOOTOO AT ARRIVAL DAY CEREMONY IN BERBICE

 

 

Dat picture is not from this year. 

Look, man. I don't have time to waste. If you refuse to accept reality, that's your problem.

These pictures were first posted by Nagamootoo's daughter yesterday.

FM
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

ATTENTION YUJI22

YOU LIE AGAIN

HERE ARE MOSES & SITA NAGAMOOTOO AT ARRIVAL DAY CEREMONY IN BERBICE

 

 

Dat picture is not from this year. 

Look, man. I don't have time to waste. If you refuse to accept reality, that's your problem.

These pictures were first posted by Nagamootoo's daughter yesterday.

 

Please don't post pictures if you cannot verify them.

 

Stop Lying.

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:
 

Please don't post pictures if you cannot verify them.

 

Stop Lying.

What will you do if every one votes race in Guyana. Indians for the PPP and every one else for APNU AFC.

 

You do know that Indians will lose as the non Indian voting population is now larger.

FM
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Carib has his Emancipation Day and a whole month, Black History Month.

 

Scumbags like Carib will always dwell in slums because of their racist mentality.


You dont even know what you are writing.

 

Now as you wallow in your tribal cave, what is going to happen to you when black and mixed voters outnumber Indians in 2020.

 

You will scream apan jhat all you want.  Insult black people all you want, and when you add up the votes there will not be enough of them.

 

And you might even discover that next week Tuesday!

 

You duck and Hide when I exposed that you Have your Annual Emancipation day and ONE MONTH to celebrate Black History.

 

You throw a fit when Indos celebrate Indian Arrival Day.

 

Shame on a racist crabdawg like you.

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:

 

You duck and Hide when I exposed that you Have your Annual Emancipation day and ONE MONTH to celebrate Black History.

 

You throw a fit when Indos celebrate Indian Arrival Day.

 

Shame on a racist crabdawg like you.


Not all the slaves were African and not all those who arrived are Indians.  This is why it is called FREEDOM Day and not Emancipation Day.

 

In addition when is black history month in Guyana?  Not August.

 

I can tell when you were in school  your teachers told your parents that you need to learn to play with others.   Is it impossible for you to celebrate the arrival of Indians, Chinese, Portuguese and those Africans who didnt arrive as slaves?

 

Apparently not.   In fact the image of non Indians becomes hurt as it then becomes a day when Indo racists like you scream their superiority over other Guyanese.  Nothing about how all ethnic groups need toi collaborate.

 

What you are you goi9ng to do when shrieks of voting race mobilize black and mixed voters against the PPP?  Already 90% of them REJECT the PPP, and this includes mixed people.  Even rev admits that 73% of mixed people REJECT the PPP. 

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

ATTENTION YUJI22

YOU LIE AGAIN

HERE ARE MOSES & SITA NAGAMOOTOO AT ARRIVAL DAY CEREMONY IN BERBICE

 

 

Dat picture is not from this year. 

Look, man. I don't have time to waste. If you refuse to accept reality, that's your problem.

These pictures were first posted by Nagamootoo's daughter yesterday.

 

Please don't post pictures if you cannot verify them.

 

Stop Lying.

This was the event:

 

And this was the caption:

"APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial candidate Moses Nagamootoo and his spouse Sita today attended Arrival Day concert in Berbice to mark landing of first batch of Indian indentured labourers 177 years ago. On his right is Sohan, former Magistrate."

 

MORE:

 

[SOURCE: MOSES V. NAGAMOOTOO FACEBOOK PAGE]

 

 

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Listen you racist crabdawg, the PPP will crush the racist PNC. 

 

Your racist PNC party is stuck at 40 Percent. Take that and smoke it in your pipe.

 

 


Screaming at yourself.

 

Now as the black/mixed voting age population creeps passes 50% in 2020 how do your racist screams of apan jhat help Indians?

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Listen you racist crabdawg, the PPP will crush the racist PNC. 

 

Your racist PNC party is stuck at 40 Percent. Take that and smoke it in your pipe.

 

 


Screaming at yourself.

 

Now as the black/mixed voting age population creeps passes 50% in 2020 how do your racist screams of apan jhat help Indians?

As desperation steps in the PPP camp, during the next 4 days there will be strident and hysterical name calling and personal abuse.

Steel yourself for the final battle.

APNU+AFC will triumph next week this time.

FM
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by kp:
. This is a celebration of East Indians Arrival Day.


WRONG.  It is ARRIVAL Day.  Not only East Indians live in Guyana!

The date marks when Indians arrived not African slaves who have to be brought in chains because they were so wild.

This is exactly the shit that will cause coolie scrunts like yourself their lives. You are an quite an arsehole to say something like that.

cain
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Listen you racist crabdawg, the PPP will crush the racist PNC. 

 

Your racist PNC party is stuck at 40 Percent. Take that and smoke it in your pipe.

 

 

YOU WILL SLIDE AWAY NEXT WEEK INTO OBLIVION AND YOUR DUMB ASS POSTS WILL NOT BE MISSED.

cain
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Listen you racist crabdawg, the PPP will crush the racist PNC. 

 

Your racist PNC party is stuck at 40 Percent. Take that and smoke it in your pipe.

 

 


Screaming at yourself.

 

Now as the black/mixed voting age population creeps passes 50% in 2020 how do your racist screams of apan jhat help Indians?

As desperation steps in the PPP camp, during the next 4 days there will be strident and hysterical name calling and personal abuse.

Steel yourself for the final battle.

APNU+AFC will triumph next week this time.

 

AFC/PNC is headed to the trash bin.

FM
Originally Posted by kp:
Originally Posted by warrior:
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Looks like Moses and Ramjattan are real Mudheads (R) registered trademark of Shaitaan.

 

Shaitaan, thanks for allowing me to use your trademark word.

the ppp shame to show their face in GT so they went to berbice to try and fool them poor collie people

When would NI--er like you would stop calling Indians ,collie. This is a celebration of East Indians Arrival Day.

You is a collie a low life collie

 

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Listen you racist crabdawg, the PPP will crush the racist PNC. 

 

Your racist PNC party is stuck at 40 Percent. Take that and smoke it in your pipe.

 

 


Screaming at yourself.

 

Now as the black/mixed voting age population creeps passes 50% in 2020 how do your racist screams of apan jhat help Indians?

As desperation steps in the PPP camp, during the next 4 days there will be strident and hysterical name calling and personal abuse.

Steel yourself for the final battle.

APNU+AFC will triumph next week this time.

 

AFC/PNC is headed to the trash bin.

You already garbage

FM

Gil was caught lying. He was inferring that it was an AFC sponsored event.

 

The AFC is full of Shyte.

 

How did you spend Indian Arrival Day?

– $35M bronze monument to be mounted in Berbice

A bronze monument is soon to be mounted in Berbice in memory of the first set of East Indians who arrived in Guyana from India. So says Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam, who was addressing a gathering to commemorate Arrival Day here.

Speaking at Highbury on Tuesday where Arrival Day celebrations were held in observance on the first set of East Indians to set foot on Guyana’s shores on May 5, 1838, High Commissioner said that the monument which is currently being built in India, will cost $35 million and will be mounted at Palmyra, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The Sri Dhama Dance Group of D’Edward Village performing on Tuesday at Highbury

The Sri Dhama Dance Group of D’Edward Village performing on Tuesday at Highbury

The High Commissioner who was attending his first Arrival Day celebration in Guyana took the opportunity to congratulate the Berbice Indian Cultural Committee (BICC), which has been observing to arrival of the first set of East Indians to arrive even before Arrival Day was made a national holiday. “We at the Indian High Commission feel that we are separated by long distance between Indian and Guyana and to add to that there is no direct transport between the two countries. I can assure you that it is my endeavour that this difficulty is eased so that all of us can get in touch with India physically and in a comfortable way very soon,” High Commissioner Mahalingam said, as he took the opportunity to make a monetary contribution the BICC.

On May 5, 1838, the MV Whitby arrived at Port Highbury with 270 on board. The Whitby sailed from Calcutta on January 13, 1838 with 249 immigrants, and after a voyage of 112 days, arrived in Guyana on the May 5. Five Indians died on the voyage. The ship immediately sailed to Berbice and 164 immigrants disembarked; having being recruited by Highbury and Waterloo plantations. The ship then returned to Demerara and between May 14-16, the remaining 80 immigrants landed and were taken to Belle Vue Estate.

Of the total of 244 Indians who arrived on the Whitby, there were 233 men, five women and six children.

Tuesday’s programme was packed with cultural performances and began with a replica of the MV Whitby being pulled on wheels along the East Bank of Berbice main assess road and stopped at the monument centre at Highbury where it was opened and several persons dressed in traditional Indian wear walked out carrying with them large bundles.

It was the introduction to a play written by Indera Yacob and called “Jahagie”. The play depicted the unity which existed between the Africans and the Indians back then and how each group depended on the other. The ever emotional play also focused on the abuse meted out to the early immigrants by the white plantation owners.

President of the BICC Chandra Sohan noted that Highbury has always been promoting harmony and unity. He said as Guyanese we have for the past year been able to practice our different cultures and at least for the past half century we have been able to live in harmony and peacefully Sohan urged that  and as we go into this election we remain that way we remain that way. He said that we must know our past in order to guide the way forward, but it is not that easy… “It is very important for us to be able to understand the past we came from in order for us to be able to direct ourselves.”

[L-R) Former Local Government Minister Harripersaud Nokta, Regional Chairman David Armogan, High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam, BICC Secretary Chris Raghunnandan, former magistrate Chandra Sohan and APNU/AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

(L-R) Former Local Government Minister Harripersaud Nokta, Regional Chairman David Armogan, High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam, BICC Secretary Chris Raghunnandan, former magistrate Chandra Sohan and APNU/AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

Meanwhile Region Six Chairman David Armogan also speaking at the ceremony said as East Indians, Guyanese should be proud of what their ancestors did for them when they came to the shores of Guyana 177 years ago. Despite the difficulties that they faced, they emerged a strong people and over the years they showed that strength and solidarity. “And that is the spirit that we today have a lot to be proud of and that is why today we must come here to celebrate out achievements. They have managed to come out of the ranks of servants and the system of servitude and today Indian people all over the world hold powerful and influential positions, so much so that they can run world affairs.”

He said Indians have a proud heritage and one which they should not be ashamed of. In every area of human endeavour worldwide, people of Indian origin develop. “Do not forget the others that came to Guyana; the Africans, the Chinese, the Portuguese and our first people that came to Guyana, the Amerindians – they too had made important contributions to the development of our country… but we must continue to build.

What our ancestors have worked hard to build, today we are reaping the benefits of it and we must continue to build so that future generations can benefit.”

He noted that Guyana belongs to all Guyanese and we must not let our peaceful be mistaken as weakness. The Chairman urged all to continue to live in unity. 

FM
Last edited by Former Member

Jagdeo’s ghosts have come back to haunt him

May 5, 2015 | By  | Filed Under Letters 
Dear Editor, It is often said that the truth will set you free and it often does. In the case of the Jagdeo, the truth has and continues to be his political nightmare, especially in this election campaign. His most recent statements about ex-soldiers “kicking the doors of PPP supporters,” if the APNU+AFC Coalition is elected, are absurd and patently false. Even worse, his remarks that during the last election he heard Afro-Guyanese at Den Amstel were beating drums at six o’clock in the morning, urging the supporters of APNU to vote the “coolie party out of office” is dishonest, deceitful, and is a fictional imagination of his mind. No decent individual would make such evil statements; such utterances could only come from someone who is vile and irrational. These statements along with his character assassination of the leaders of the opposition have exposed his depravity, which has caused a significant political meltdown for the PPP. Jagdeo continues to fool himself into believing that he is loved by the people, but this is an illusion that is further from the truth. He is a leftover who uses race-bait politics to convince East Indians of all ages to vote for the PPP on May 11. Again, he is not truthful because he is fully aware that the population census conducted by the PPP in 2012 and which they have refused to release to the public shows the East Indian population at 38 percent, a five percent drop from previous years due largely to migration. Since 2011, it is estimated that four out of every five migrants are East Indians and this has caused grave concern in the PPP camp. In spite of this, there has been an increase of 95,000 of the voting electorate since 2012 which could very well be good for the APNU+AFC Coalition, because the vast majority are youths who are clamoring for change. As the election campaign winds down, the PPP is panicking and Jagdeo is fearful of the party losing the election. Its internal polls are showing that the numbers are not there for the PPP to win the election. But there is nothing fearful about the actions of the leaders of the Alliance, who have intensified their campaign, not with insults or abuses against the PPP, but with promises to lower the toll on the Berbice Bridge from $2200 to $1000 for cars and mini-buses and free for motor cycles, increase the pensions of senior citizens from $12,500 to $15,000 per month, a ten (10) percent across the board increase in wages and salaries, a reduction of VAT by two percent, and lower price for gasoline at the pumps, to name a few. More importantly, the leaders of the Coalition have promised to take legal action against the racketeers and the masterminds of corruption and the awarding of inflated and bogus contracts. Also, they have exposed Jagdeo for his vulgar and abusive behaviour as well as his disgraceful political campaign, mismanagement of state funds, incompetence and his opulent lifestyle. Even some members of the PPP Jagdeo have ridiculed Jagdeo for his vitriolic remarks and damming statements, including his comparison of his extravagant lifestyle to that of the modest lifestyle of the Jagans. Not only was his credibility questioned by the children of Dr. and Mrs. Jagan, but also his loyalty to the people and the country. The truth is, Jagdeo is loyal to no one but himself, and he is known for making statements which have caused an unprecedented divisiveness within the PPP. In the eyes of many, he has become a liability and an embarrassment not only to the PPP, but to the nation. In this election campaign, the opposition has exposed Jagdeo and the PPP for presiding over the second most corrupt and vindictive government in all of the Caribbean. He has propagated what many view as the spoils of power as no other president has done. This was his type of politics. He has left a tainted legacy and a veil of secrecy, especially in awarding questionable contracts such as the construction of the ‘white elephant Skeldon Sugar Factory, the doomed Specialty Hospital and the discredited Marriott Hotel. Today, Jagdeo has become bewildered, as his ghosts have emerged to haunt him in the campaign. So much so that many supporters of the PPP have moved away from the party. These negatives have definitely hurt Jagdeo’s credibility among the majority of the hundreds of thousands of registered voters who will elect a new government on May 11. 2015. It is time for change. Dr. Asquith Rose
Mitwah

Since 2011, it is estimated that four out of every five migrants are East Indians and this has caused grave concern in the PPP camp. In spite of this, there has been an increase of 95,000 of the voting electorate since 2012 which could very well be good for the APNU+AFC Coalition, because the vast majority are youths who are clamoring for change. As the election campaign winds down, the PPP is panicking and Jagdeo is fearful of the party losing the election.

 

 

VERY VERY NICE!

cain
Originally Posted by yuji22:

Gil was caught lying. He was inferring that it was an AFC sponsored event.

 

The AFC is full of Shyte.

 

How did you spend Indian Arrival Day?

– $35M bronze monument to be mounted in Berbice

A bronze monument is soon to be mounted in Berbice in memory of the first set of East Indians who arrived in Guyana from India. So says Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam, who was addressing a gathering to commemorate Arrival Day here.

Speaking at Highbury on Tuesday where Arrival Day celebrations were held in observance on the first set of East Indians to set foot on Guyana’s shores on May 5, 1838, High Commissioner said that the monument which is currently being built in India, will cost $35 million and will be mounted at Palmyra, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The Sri Dhama Dance Group of D’Edward Village performing on Tuesday at Highbury

The Sri Dhama Dance Group of D’Edward Village performing on Tuesday at Highbury

The High Commissioner who was attending his first Arrival Day celebration in Guyana took the opportunity to congratulate the Berbice Indian Cultural Committee (BICC), which has been observing to arrival of the first set of East Indians to arrive even before Arrival Day was made a national holiday. “We at the Indian High Commission feel that we are separated by long distance between Indian and Guyana and to add to that there is no direct transport between the two countries. I can assure you that it is my endeavour that this difficulty is eased so that all of us can get in touch with India physically and in a comfortable way very soon,” High Commissioner Mahalingam said, as he took the opportunity to make a monetary contribution the BICC.

On May 5, 1838, the MV Whitby arrived at Port Highbury with 270 on board. The Whitby sailed from Calcutta on January 13, 1838 with 249 immigrants, and after a voyage of 112 days, arrived in Guyana on the May 5. Five Indians died on the voyage. The ship immediately sailed to Berbice and 164 immigrants disembarked; having being recruited by Highbury and Waterloo plantations. The ship then returned to Demerara and between May 14-16, the remaining 80 immigrants landed and were taken to Belle Vue Estate.

Of the total of 244 Indians who arrived on the Whitby, there were 233 men, five women and six children.

Tuesday’s programme was packed with cultural performances and began with a replica of the MV Whitby being pulled on wheels along the East Bank of Berbice main assess road and stopped at the monument centre at Highbury where it was opened and several persons dressed in traditional Indian wear walked out carrying with them large bundles.

It was the introduction to a play written by Indera Yacob and called “Jahagie”. The play depicted the unity which existed between the Africans and the Indians back then and how each group depended on the other. The ever emotional play also focused on the abuse meted out to the early immigrants by the white plantation owners.

President of the BICC Chandra Sohan noted that Highbury has always been promoting harmony and unity. He said as Guyanese we have for the past year been able to practice our different cultures and at least for the past half century we have been able to live in harmony and peacefully Sohan urged that  and as we go into this election we remain that way we remain that way. He said that we must know our past in order to guide the way forward, but it is not that easy… “It is very important for us to be able to understand the past we came from in order for us to be able to direct ourselves.”

[L-R) Former Local Government Minister Harripersaud Nokta, Regional Chairman David Armogan, High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam, BICC Secretary Chris Raghunnandan, former magistrate Chandra Sohan and APNU/AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

(L-R) Former Local Government Minister Harripersaud Nokta, Regional Chairman David Armogan, High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam, BICC Secretary Chris Raghunnandan, former magistrate Chandra Sohan and APNU/AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

Meanwhile Region Six Chairman David Armogan also speaking at the ceremony said as East Indians, Guyanese should be proud of what their ancestors did for them when they came to the shores of Guyana 177 years ago. Despite the difficulties that they faced, they emerged a strong people and over the years they showed that strength and solidarity. “And that is the spirit that we today have a lot to be proud of and that is why today we must come here to celebrate out achievements. They have managed to come out of the ranks of servants and the system of servitude and today Indian people all over the world hold powerful and influential positions, so much so that they can run world affairs.”

He said Indians have a proud heritage and one which they should not be ashamed of. In every area of human endeavour worldwide, people of Indian origin develop. “Do not forget the others that came to Guyana; the Africans, the Chinese, the Portuguese and our first people that came to Guyana, the Amerindians – they too had made important contributions to the development of our country… but we must continue to build.

What our ancestors have worked hard to build, today we are reaping the benefits of it and we must continue to build so that future generations can benefit.”

He noted that Guyana belongs to all Guyanese and we must not let our peaceful be mistaken as weakness. The Chairman urged all to continue to live in unity. 

yuji, I didn't infer anything. This is what I said:

ATTENTION YUJI22

YOU LIE AGAIN

HERE ARE MOSES & SITA NAGAMOOTOO AT ARRIVAL DAY CEREMONY IN BERBICE

yuji, I leave other GNI members to decide whether you have more credibility than I have.

FM

From Moses Nagamootoo:

"Arrival Day 2015:

Today Sita and I journeyed through

the partially dusty East Bank Berbice road

to Hilbury (called Highberi or Highbury)

to attend the 177th year of the arrival

of the first batch of Indian labourers

to the then British Guiana

(now the Cooperative Republic of Guyana).

 

After paying tribute

to the life and contributions of our ancestors,

I urged that their sacrifices to the sugar industry

should not be in vain,

as they manured the land with their sweat and blood.

We owe it to them to ensure

that whenever land becomes redundant

and available on the sugar belt,

the workers should have priority in getting it -

not foreigners or rich political cronies."

 

Shitty Shite yuh Lie

Rev yuh lie

Yuji yuh lie

 

 

 

 

FM

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