Kamla sends greetings to India, Pakistan

In a statement on behalf of the United National Congress, of which she is political leader, Persad-Bissessar said, “Tens of thousands of our citizens have a connection to the ancestral homeland through our shared history of British colonialism.” The former prime minister observed, “During the period of Indian indentureship (1845-1917), more than 143,000 Indians arrived in Trinidad to work mainly on sugar plantations.

While many were repatriated, tens of thousands chose to remain in the colony and make Trinidad their home.” She said through their “resilience and determination, these people achieved success, settled in their new home and their descendants have moved from the periphery to the centre and risen to the nation’s highest offices in our country.” She added, “Those of us who have Indian ancestry have not only preserved a rich and ancient heritage, we have also helped build a modern democratic state in which all of us live in harmony and celebrate our diversity.” Per sad-Bi s s es sar concluded, “Today, we continue to have shared interests in religion and culture as well as commerce.

We have always enjoyed a friendly relationship with both States and look forward to that growing in the years ahead.”