Mosquito Creek hails Indo descendants

Soogrim Kurban, 88, Persad Bodoe aged, 82, and Dolly Latchman, 79, were aboard boats that brought them ashore as part of Indian Arrival Day celebrations which will be observed nationally tomorrow.It was MP for Fyzbad Lackram Bodoe - Persad Bodoe’s son – who reminded the audience of how the indentured labourers persevered and dealt with challenges during the Colonial days.

“We live in difficult times and we must look at what is taking place in our country today, 172 years after our ancestors arrived here,” MP Bodoe said. “As we pay tribute to the people who came here as indentured labourers from India, we must reflect on their most difficult journey and the way they bonded together to deal with the problems that existed then,” he added.

Bodoe called on people to unite as one to deal with the current situation of crime and economic hardship.

Drawing comparisons to the hardships of 1845 to hardships being faced at present, Bodoe called on citizens to be bold. “The fact that taking that bold decision (to leave Indian and come to Trinidad) reflects the reason why the labourers’ descendants have become so successful in this country.

They were always willing to take risks. We must not only reflect on the strength and determination of our ancestors but mirror that strength and determination as we deal with life’s hardships at the present.” The Fyzabad MP said that the Indian diaspora has distinguished itself in various disciplines including the technical fields, engineering, medicine, law, fine arts, and in business.

The diaspora, he said has been able to create and build the economy.

He added that these people continue to do that in a strong way and we must acknowledge the contribution of the Indian diaspora.