By Prior Beharry
IN celebrating Indian Arrival Day should not be seen as a monopoly on one religion.
This was the message of Moderator of the Presbyterian Church The Right Rev Joy Abdul-Mohan on Sunday.
She said, “Indian Arrival Day should never be seen as a monopoly of one religion, but should be inclusive of a history and culture and all whose foreparents came from Indian – Muslims, Christians, Hindus and others who have an Indo-heritage.”
She added, “Following the arrival of the East Indian labourers on the Fatel Razack since 1845, many generations, including my own, benefitted and continue to benefit from a rich heritage and illustrious history.
“One being, a holistic education.
“It is note-worthy to mention here (which sometimes many fail to take cognizance), that the indentured labourers who came on the Fatel Razack included persons of all religions.”
Abdul-Mohan said as Indian Arrival Day is commemorated amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and ina state of Emergency, it was noteworthy to mention that like other ethnic communities, the Indo community brings with it, tenacity, loyalty, devotion, faithfulness, hard work and sacrificial labour.
She said, “Having being placed in a foreign land, our fore-fathers and mothers made Trinidad and Tobago a home away from home despite health and social hardships and challenges.”
Abdul-Mohan said that like other communities the Indo community continue to play an integral and invaluable role at every level and within every institution of our society, regardless of religious persuasion, social status or educational background.
She said, “By hard work and sacrifice, the Indo community has always aimed at ensuring a bright future with great possibilities for all citizens.
“It is our prayer that with the unstinted support of all communities, the work and witness of the Indo community will be increasingly maintained so that every citizen will become spiritually aglow, intellectually alive and passionate to serve God and humanity for a much better Trinidad and Tobago that every colour, creed and race can truly find an equal place.”
