Panday: ‘Indians are victims of success’

INDIANS in Trinidad and Tobago have become victims of their own economic success, stated Basdeo Panday, leader of the Opposition United National Congress (UNC) as he spoke on the present crime wave in the country, especially in relation to the local East Indian community. Speaking at the Caparo Hindu Organisation’s 6th Annual Indian Arrival Day Celebrations on Saturday, Panday said Indians were brought to the country to work on the sugar cane plantations and over time saved some money while they toiled in the fields. He added that it was through prudent management and a heritage and culture of thrift, that these indentured labourers were able to save what little they had.

He said Indians alone were not rich in the country, yet recent surveys showed that 75 percent of all kidnappings were aimed at East Indians. Panday then pointed out that “there were thousands of them (Indians) out there who are poor and helpless.” “Now because of their success, because they have little shops with their names on them and what not, they are being attacked. Look at Roopnarine’s Hardware and Khan’s Roti Shop for example,” Panday told his audience. The Opposition Leader said if some East Indians were perceived as having much wealth it must be remembered that they worked for what they have and others must not just walk in and try to deprive them of it.

“I am disappointed to know that now, Indians perceived as having money could no longer live in peace here and that they must take their children and their family and leave this country in droves and this is in fact what they have been doing,” Panday said. “How long would this continue and what are we going to do about it?” he asked. “I am beginning to get worried more so as I remember distinctly that when we asked for Indian Arrival Day, Manning said no just Arrival Day was enough.” He said he was glad to be in Caparo to celebrate Indian Arrival Day but “I am afraid that if the exodus continues because of the victimisation, discrimination and criminal activities against Indians, soon we will be celebrating not Indian Arrival Day but Departure Day.”

Paras Ramoutar, head of the Caparo Hindu Organisation, said that it was necessary to change the philosophy of life “if we are to recapture the harmony and unity we once shared in the country.” Panday was among five persons who were given awards during the function. The other awardees were former Government Minister Kamaluddin Mohammed; Professor Bhoe Tewarie, Principal of UWI; Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) general-secretary Sat Maharaj and 85-year-old pundit Ramdeo Maharaj.