By Prior Beharry
THE Presbyterian Church plays a pivotal role in getting the East Indian indentured servants out of poverty.
So said newly-installed Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago The Right Rev Daniel Chance.
In his Indian Arrival Day message for 2023, he said, “But, whenever we speak of the Indentured Labourers, mention must be made of the pivotal role which the Canadian Missionaries and by extension, the Presbyterian Church, played in breaking the shackles of poverty, thus allowing us the opportunity to enjoy a better life today.
“Therefore, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that we continue to pledge our support towards making Trinidad and Tobago the caring, safe and beautiful place that God created it to be.”
Chance said T&T was considered a melting-pot of many ethnic groups.
He added, “For most of us, this is the land of our birth because of the decision of our ancestors to leave their homeland and all that it meant to them in the hope of a better future for their children, grandchildren and their families.”
Chance said, “Today, we pay tribute to the patriarchs and matriarchs of a people, who fought against all odds with a spirit of determination, endurance, resilience, sacrifice, persistence, and courage.
“They came to work as they envisioned a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones. Their willingness to persevere, despite the existing circumstances which they faced, has taught us, over the years, the value of what honesty, hard-work, and faith in God can accomplish.”
