Forefathers were resolute in fight for democracy – PPP on Arrival Day

…says Guyanese must now carry on fight
…caretaker President pays tribute to East Indians’ contribution

Today’s celebration of Arrival Day comes with it a responsibility to carry on the fight for democracy in the face of creeping dictatorship. This is the view expressed by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), as they hailed the contributions of East Indians to Guyana.

In their Arrival Day message, the PPP alluded to the current political instability Guyana finds itself in, where deliberate attempts have been made to derail the electoral process and a credible winner cannot be declared after two months. The party recalled that their forefathers faced similar trials and overcame them.
“In the face of many adversities, they were resolute in their endeavours to preserve their culture, traditions and values, which gave birth to a culturally diverse Guyana. Many of our fore-parents paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedoms as a people.”

“Unfortunately, as we celebrate Arrival Day today, there are some who are attempting to deprive our people of their fundamental right to elect a Government of their choice and erode our freedoms and democracy,” the PPP stated.
According to the party, it is important that Guyanese ensure the rights and democracy fought for are preserved and protected. According to the party, attempts to return Guyana to the “abyss of dictatorship” must be resisted.

“Despite these adversaries to democracy and freedom, our party takes this opportunity to commend all those who have worked steadfastly over the years and who continue to do so in the promotion of activities designed to foster and preserve our history, values and cultural traditions which have become shared; demonstrative of the strength in our diversity.”
“As we observe Arrival Day, our party urges reflection on the valiant efforts of all of our fore-parents so that we can continue to be inspired and to better contextualise the value of our gains. This will ensure that we remain determined to build upon our gains and that our country remains a place for all of its sons and daughters.”

Historical significance
Meanwhile, caretaker President David Granger in his Arrival Day message paid tribute to the contributions made by East Indians in Guyana. Granger, a historian by profession, also gave some historical context to their arrival.
“Indian Arrival Day is celebrated each year on 5th May. The East Indians who arrived came largely from the Uttar Pradesh and Southern Indian regions of India. The first ship to arrive in British Guiana – Whitby – sailed from Calcutta (now Kolkata) on 13th January 1838 with 249 immigrants and, after a voyage of 112 days, landed on 5th May 1838. This began their indentureship experience.”
This year marks the 182nd anniversary of the arrival of Indians to Guyana, he said, adding that nearly 240,000 Indians immigrated to British Guiana between 1838 and 1917 when indentured immigration ended. “The majority of immigrants opted to remain and to make the country their home,” he also wrote.
According to the caretaker President, Indian religious rituals, cuisine, customs and traditions have enriched Guyana’s culture. He also alluded to their business ventures and political and social contributions.
“Indians have achieved prominence in all aspects of national life. They cultivated respectful relations with other races and, in so doing, fostered the development of a more cohesive nation. They are an integral part of the political system and, together with other ethnic groups, contributed to the evolution of Guyana’s demography, economy and society.”
“Guyana pays tribute to the contribution of Indian indentured immigrants and their descendants. I extend best wishes to all Guyanese on the occasion of Indian Arrival Day,” Granger also said in his message.