As we are about to celebrate Indian Arrival Day, my mind goes back hundreds of years to when thousands of citizens from India made that journey to the Caribbean.
This would have been a very frightening experience—not truly knowing your destination or what would present itself when you got here. All you had to hold on to were promises made by those whom you knew very little of. It was what I call a leap of faith.
They were seeking a better life and were willing to risk their lives to have it. On May 30, 1845, the Fatel Razack arrived in Trinidad, bringing indentured labourers from India on a journey of some 14,000 miles.
The journey was not an easy one, for the condition on the ship was very unsanitary. Diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery and measles were very common. Some of them simply did not make it to their final destination. History has recorded that between 1845 and 1917, more than 143,000 came from India to our shores.
We must be grateful to those who are not with us today but did leave their homeland, India, and left their mark in some way on our blessed twin islands. They have contributed by adding diversity to sweet T&T in various ways, which is quite noticeable, now being carried on by their offspring.
In every dimension of life, we can see their offspring making their presence felt: business, politics, agriculture, education, the public sector, medicine, religion, legal, culture, and not forgetting food. Our country is the better for reaping the great benefit that comes from diversity. Let us not take this for granted as we move as one into the future, respecting each other. I believe what we have in Trinidad and Tobago is not by chance, but God did design it to be like this.
Yes, the road ahead may be rough, but as we embrace each other, realising our individual worth and importance, I know for sure we will make it.
Diversity is a beautiful thing, and we do have this; let us all enjoy and be glad for this. As we unite as one people despite colour, creed or race, I firmly believe no mountain will be impossible for us to climb together.
I am well aware that at this time the emphasis is on those coming across rough water to get here from India, but there are many who may have made similar journeys, leaving their homeland by their own will and others forced to do so. However, we are seeing before us the beauty of diversity before our very eyes.
So as we celebrate Indian Arrival Day, let us remember those famous lines, “Together we aspire, together we achieve,” and also, “Where every creed and race find an equal place.”
Let us give thanks to those who made that long journey. We can see their footprints in the sand and the legacy they have left for us all.
Arnold Gopeesingh
San Juan
Lawanda Wiers
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