Yuille-Williams hands out $1M for Indian Arrival Day

At the time, Ramlogan was delivering closing remarks at the presentation of cheques for Indian Arrival Day celebrations, which was organised by the ministry.

He said, "In my seven years at the ministry, under the guidance of the minister, it is the first time in the history of this country that this much funding has been given to Indian Arrival Day. The last figure that I saw was just under $1 million."

In her feature address earlier, Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams did not put a figure on the cheques. She simply said, "We are providing financial assistance to broaden the scope of involvement in the celebration as, in the past, the focus was on providing assistance to national organisations.

This approach limited the initiatives of community-based organisations and deprived many people of the opportunity to celebrate the proud heritage which has been passed on by their ancestors."

The minister noted that Indian Arrival Day is a national event which must be appreciated by all members of the population, adding that the celebration of Indian Arrival Day should, therefore, be viewed within the context of a vision for national unity forged by people of different ethnic groups who have made a common journey to a common destination, which, collectively, they have a stake to develop.

According to Yuille-Williams, "We are bringing Indian Arrival Day celebrations to more of our local communities as well as strengthening our ancestral links."

She also said the challenge of nation-building must be the underlining influence on the Indian Arrival Day projects of all organisations which have received funds from the ministry.

She said, "I am sure that you will live up to this challenge, and that the funds which you receive will be well spent and accounted for."

Twenty-five of the thirty-nine registered groups were present to receive their cheques. They included Hindu Prachar Kendra, National Council for Indian Culture, Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, SWAHA, Bhakti Vedaant Kirtan Mandali, Cunjal Village Council, Hindu Sea Sangh Inc, Kabir Chawra Math TT Inc, Nariva Social Action Committee, Swedass Road Sevashram Sangha, and first-time celebrant of the holiday, the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association.

During the presentation, guests were entertained by young pannist Adrianna Achaiba, the Tri Murti Dancers, the Cunjal Village Council, Rooplal Girdharee, Soogrim Ram Tassa Drummers and the Shiv Shakti Dancers.