The Indian Action Committee (IAC) hosted, on Sunday, a Grand Cultural Mela and Family Fun Day in Essequibo, to commence the celebrations in honour of the 179th Anniversary of Indian Arrival to Guyana.
Participants showcasing influences of Indian Culture through dance
The Ann Regina Community Centre Ground, where activities were held, was sparsely populated this year, as a marked decline in participation was noted for what was once a highly anticipated annual showcase.
The event highlighted the arrival and presence of East Indians to the West Indies, while at the same time celebrated the many influences which the immigrant labourers have had on the development of Guyana.
The night featured a series of music performances (both live and cultural recordings), as well as dances and historical recollections passed on from the Indian ancestors.
Government officials and other public figures who were present at the Mela offered brief remarks, some reflecting on tales of indentureship while others congratulated and celebrated the strides made by Guyanese to ensure the development of an inclusive, multicultural nation.
Delivering the feature address at this event on behalf of President Granger was Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, who commended the IAC for their showcase of the rich cultural diversity and expression of local talent.
The Minister also reminisced on the time of oppression under the indentureship system, and reminded Guyanese that the Government is committed to their vision of an inclusive society that celebrates members of all ethnicities and religions.
Bulkhan, further, pointed out that under APNU/AFC governance, much of the racial segregation that has hindered progress by the lack of unity in the past will be erased; and there is a promise of better days ahead.
Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt, alluded to the strength of the Indian forefathers and the growth of the country since the coming of the Indians. Ramdatt said, “We (Indians) are known to be a very strong people. We have been through many struggles in our history, but I urge you all to be strong.”
He also lamented the current deplorable state of the rice industry, especially given that many Region Two residents are dependent on this industry for their livelihood. Nonetheless, he encourage his audience to be strong, and to use their religious and cultural beliefs to inspire them to continue making strides.
Ramdatt said, “Despite the small audience, I urge you to celebrate. We have worked hard to build this country. It (the celebration of the 179th Anniversary of Indian Arrival) should bring to us a new way of thinking, so that we (would) be proud of our history and our culture. (It should make us) work not only to building our villages, our families and this region, but by extension to build a better and brighter Guyana.”
The Indian Action Committee, formerly known as the Indian Arrival Committee, has for years hosted such grand cultural melas to celebrate the arrival of the East Indian Immigrant labourers to the shores of the then British Guiana 179 years ago. This year is the 14th showcase of this mela in Anna Regina. The committee is set to stage yet another mela in Berbice, as the Albion Sports Complex gears up to host this event on Friday, May 5, Indian Arrival Day. Other similar commemorative events would also be hosted throughout the country, including the annual signature festivities that are staged in Georgetown.
