COP’s Indian Arrival Day message

“It is an enduring tribute to the strength and resilience of the survivors of indentured labour, much like that of those who survived the cruelty of chattel slavery, that those of Indian origin have become a vital strand in the tapestry of our mosaic society.” “We cannot underestimate the value of any segment of our social organism,” Mahabir argued, “to the wholesomeness of our entire society. Nor can we, in a spirit of chauvinistic boasting over-emphasise the contribution of the people of any origin to the creation of our present-day social structure.” “Let us celebrate Indian Arrival Day, as we will celebrate Emancipation and the Day of the First People (on October 13), in the spirit of deep appreciation for what each has contributed in their own way to the vibrancy of our culture, to the building of our economy and to the ongoing striving to build a society which benefits us all.” Mahabir added that occasions like this are “opportunities to celebrate and appreciate the contributions of all to the building of our nation and the forging of our distinct and unique ‘Trini’ culture.” He then encouraged everyone to celebrate the enduring unity of people of all origins “as we forge the Trinbagonian nation”.

A unity which Mahabir said is admired by so many globally and yearned for by those who have faced the ravages of destructive hatred and discrimination.