The National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) has called for the renaming of the nation’s “principal gateway” to the Basdeo Panday International Airport.
The suggestion was put forth by NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo, during the organisation’s celebration of Indian Arrival Day on Saturday at the Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas.
Mangaroo said the renaming of the Piarco International Airport in honour of the country’s fifth and first East Indian prime minister may also serve to inspire young people.
Mangaroo recalled the contributions of late former prime minister, who had also referred to the Piarco airport as the “gateway to the Americas”.
A vision for remembrance: Surujdeo Mangaroo
Mangaroo said to place Panday’s name on Trinidad and Tobago’s principal gateway would be a fitting tribute to “a leader whose services left an indelible mark on history”.
The NCIC head said this would also send a powerful message to the youth that service, leadership and sacrifice are honoured in this country.
Mangaroo issued a message of hope and unity, emphasising the lessons of the past.
Recalling the journey across the “kala pani” of thousands of indentured labourers, Mangaroo said the sacrifice of the ancestors must be honoured by “building a society that reflects the best of who we are”. He noted the contributions of the East Indians to T&T’s diverse culture, as well as to various industries and professional fields.
Mangaroo called on the national community to embody a vision of unity and hope, while preserving the legacy of the past.
Honour forebears
This year’s celebrations were held under the theme, “The toil of our ancestors, our identity today”.
The Council has recommitted to preserving and promoting the heritage entrusted to future generations by the forefathers.
Saturday’s programme included the presentation of an award of recognition to retired dentist Dr John Bharath, the father of former minister Vasant Bharath.
Chief guest speaker at the event, Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh gave the nation the assurance that under his watch, he will do his best to ensure that the Judiciary remains independent.
Boodoosingh had outlined the role of the courts and justice system in ensuring safety and fairness.
The CJ previously paid homage to the forefathers who made his and the journey of others possible. Boodoosingh said in honouring this sacrifice, those who occupy offices which serve the people must also ensure that they do not act in ways that dishonour the legacy of the ancestors.
Boodoosingh said the Judiciary will ensure that the rule of law is applied equally, and that the courts have an obligation to act without fear or favour.
He said the system was ensure that every one of those who arrived enjoy equality. Boodoosingh called on people to speak out against any type of discrimination, and equality must not be sought only for one race or religious group.
He said the gains of the labour movement also rested on the history of many groups working together, and underscored the role of various ethnicities and religions in promoting education and improved living standards for others.
About Panday
Founder of the United National Congress (UNC), former prime minister Basdeo Panday died on January 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida, after a brief hospitalisation for pneumonia. He was 90.
During his tenure as PM from 1995 to 2001, his administration was hit by several scandals including the Piarco Airport case.
Panday and his wife Oma Panday later faced corruption charges, but their prosecution was officially dropped in March 2023,
The years-long criminal pursuit of corruption and bid-rigging allegations saw businessmen Ishwar Galbaransingh, Steve Ferguson and Raul Gutierrez, facing corruption charges.
The State of Trinidad and Tobago was later successfully awarded an appellate decision affirming a US$131.3 million civil fraud judgment against Ferguson and former minister under Panday’s government, Brian Kuei Tung.
Panday and his wife were charged with corruptly receiving £25,000 from Galbaransingh and former UNC minister Carlos John, as a reward for favouring a construction company.