Redress for the ‘shadow people’

THE EDITOR: The organisation, Partners for First Peoples’ Development, would like to thank his Excellency President George Maxwell Richards and his committee for the symposium, “Life, Spirit and Legacy of the First Peoples of Trinidad and Tobago” held on Saturday July 10, 2004 at the Arima Town Hall. As an organisation, we have been advocating for the recognition and redress due to peoples of indigenous blood. We believe that after 500 years of gross discriminatory injustice, where the First Peoples have been stripped of their identity and history, and their civilisation totally discredited, this is due.

Today, on the mainland from present day Canada in the North to Argentina in the South, First Peoples are referred to as Indians, which is a total misconception. The time has come for an awakening, so that other people of other races, who now reside in the Western Hemisphere, can know that history did not start in 1492 (European Time) not Latin Americans, Wetbacks nor Indians. A closer look would expose the contributions and lasting effects we had (even) on today’s European-dominated systems that have been imposed. So where is our identity?

In Trinidad where we are regarded as a “shadow people,” the effect of our presence, though denied, is exposed in place names, eating habits, and use of natural medicines. The Partners for First Peoples’ Development takes this opportunity to support the demand made by the President (Chief) of the Santa Rosa Carib Mission, Ricardo Hernandez Bharath to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the further redress and recognition due to his community. We also call on all persons of Indigenous Blood to stand and be counted, both in memory and recognition of the lasting contributions of our indigenous ancestors. NB: Remember October 14, Day of Recognition of Indigenous Peoples.

ROGER BELIX
President of Partners for First Peoples’ Development