The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) joins with its global affiliates and membership in paying honored tribute and expressing its gratitude to those who made the first journeys as indentured laborers from India. On May 30, 1845, the Fatel Razack shown below, arrived in Trinidad. It brought the first East Indian indentured laborers. The ship departed Calcutta with 237 passengers. The grueling 14,000-mile journey lasted 103 days. Tragically, six passengers died at sea. Ultimately, 227 survivors arrived safely.
Newly arrived indentured labourers from Indian in Trinidad, c. 1897 Courtesy: Wikipedia We are always reminded of their pioneering spirit, determination, persistence and endurance under extremely harsh conditions. While survival must have been the primary concern, they strived and persevered to maintain their sense of origin, traditions and culture despite insurmountable hardships. Their children, grandchildren and following generations will always take pride in this unique accomplishment, recognizing and appreciating the sacrifices and achievements made on their behalf. We also recognize the invaluable contributions they have made to the diverse culture and economic development of Trinidad & Tobago, while progressing at all levels of society. “Our ancestors came here partially by choice, many forced but resolved and persevered under very difficult and harrowing conditions. That shared experience, that saga of shared history, fostered a unique kindred spirit of resolve, togetherness and kinship – a triumph over obstacles and difficulties with dreams and aspirations of a destiny intertwined by history and fate”.
The recent visits and engagements in Trinidad and Tobago by India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and other Indian officials have generated increasing interests and further solidified the historic and cultural bonds. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Ministers (late) Basdeo Panday and Kamla Persad-Bissessar were chief guests at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA) have been awarded to outstanding individuals and institutions of Trinidad and Tobago.
We extend Indian Diaspora Council’s congratulations to the Government and people of Trinidad & Tobago on the commemoration of this 181st anniversary of that historic day. We also extend our continued best wishes to all the descendants of those early pioneers for peaceful and prosperous co-existence both in Trinidad & Tobago and other lands where they have subsequently settled. We continue to encourage and support active promotion of the rich and enduring Indian traditions that served their forefathers so well. We also wish to remind all the descendants of those early pioneers to recognize and reach out to others of Indian origin whose forebears also embarked on similar journeys.
According to the Central Statistical Office (CSO), Trinidad and Tobago’s population is led by two nearly equal ethnic groups: East Indian (35.4%) and African (34.2%) descent. The remaining population is heavily multiracial, with 23% identifying as Mixed (including 7.7% Dougla). Small minority groups and unspecified backgrounds make up the final 7.5%.
For more information contact: Ashook Ramsaran at AshookRamsaran@gmail.com
