Arrival Day 2025: Region 2 hosts colourful tribute to East Indian heritage at historic Bushlot

To commemorate Arrival Day 2025, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) hosted a cultural programme on Monday at Bushlot paying tribute to the rich heritage of the East Indian community in Guyana.
The monument site at Bushlot, was chosen for its historical significance. It marks the arrival of the first East Indian immigrants who came to British Guiana in May 1838. A total of 90 indentured immigrants had initially settled there, and the site now stands as a lasting tribute to their legacy.
The event was filled with colourful cultural presentations, including traditional Indian music, dance, hymns and poetry.
Among the guests were Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues; Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva; Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit; and Regional Executive Officer, Susana Saywack.
Rodrigues highlighted the historical journey of East Indian immigrants who arrived in 1838 aboard the Whitby and the Hesperus. These early settlers came seeking opportunity under the indentureship system established by the British following the abolition of slavery.
She further stated that more than 230,000 Indians eventually arrived in Guyana between 1838 and 1917, many enduring grueling voyages and uncertain futures. She acknowledged that while their migration was technically voluntary, the decision was made under extremely harsh living conditions in India. These ancestors, she said, came with little more than courage and hope for a better life.
“They came across the ocean seeking a new beginning, many with little more than hope and determination…Their journey was not easy. They faced long days on the plantation, harsh conditions, and uncertainty—but through it all, they stood strong,” she said.
Rodrigues reminded the audience that indentureship, although different from slavery in its nature, was still marked by brutal conditions. Immigrants worked long hours in the fields, often facing physical and emotional hardship. Despite this, many chose to remain after their contracts ended, going on to build families, businesses, and vibrant communities that became essential to Guyanese society.
She also drew a personal connection to the day’s meaning, sharing that she herself is of mixed heritage, born to an East Indian mother and a Portuguese father, representing the blend of cultures that makes up the Guyanese identity. Reflecting on the courage of her ancestors and others like them, she encouraged the audience to honour their sacrifices by preserving their stories and cultural traditions.
“As I was watching the cultural items, I was reminded of my childhood. I had a very interesting childhood. I was born to an East Indian mother and a Portuguese father. So I am one of your typical mixed-race Guyanese,” the Minister shared.
She went on to commend the performers for their devotion to culture and the arts. She expressed how deeply moved she was by the faces of the young children and elders participating in the programme, noting the love, pride and effort poured into every performance.
She also spoke nostalgically about a time when Indian cinema brought together people of all backgrounds in Guyana. She recalled the cultural impact of going to local cinemas to watch Bollywood films, saying that these experiences helped keep Indian culture alive and vibrant across communities. While she expressed sadness over the closure of many such cinemas, she acknowledged the role they played in uniting Guyanese people through shared experiences.
“I mourn the closure of those cinemas. They kept the culture alive. Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese, everyone went to watch Kuch Kuch Hota Hai or whatever show was showing. And we talked about it with our neighbours. That shared experience helped keep our culture vibrant.” Minister said. (Raywattie Deonarine)