By Faith Edwards

CITIZENS of Trinidad and Tobago continue to benefit from the contribution made by East Indians as their ancestors values continue to shape the country, contributing to its reputation for tolerance and cultural harmony.

Newly-appointed Speaker of the House of Representatives Jagdeo Singh praised the East Indian community for its contribution to national development as he addressed members of the lower house for the first time on Friday at the Ceremonial Opening of the First Session of the 13th Parliament.

Speaking to mark the occasion of Indian Arrival Day on May 30, he said, “What began as a simple practical exercise in 1845 of supplanting a depleted labour force by 1917, resulted in over 140,000 immigrants of Indian descent, arriving on the shores of this country.”

Singh said, “This historic journey not only provided a new labour force, but also through the passage of time evolved into a social phenomenon, reflected in the social, political and economic fabric of this country, which we commonly refer to as a social and cultural melting pot. This evolutionary process infused an entirely new cultural dimension into the society of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Singh was also congratulated on his appointment by both government and opposition members.

He also expressed gratitude on being selected House Speaker.

“I assure you that I will take no small pride in serving this House and our beloved republic, faithfully and steadfastly whilst seeking to maintain the highest parliamentary standards and traditions.”

Singh gave his Indian Arrival Day greetings after three Members of Parliament and conveyed his gratitude at the end of the parliamentary session.

Member of Parliament for Barataria/San Juan Saddam Hosein recounted the hardships faced by Indian indentured labourers who arrived in 1845 aboard the Fatel Razack.

He acknowledged their resilience and legacy, noting their descendants’ roles in shaping national leadership, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Hosein said, “The offsprings of the indentured laborers play a critical role in shaping the direction of Trinidad and Tobago. They have occupied seats in this parliament, in court, as judges and magistrates, they held the highest office of the land, Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, office of the Leader of Opposition, attorneys, doctors, engineers, Nobel Prize winners and much more.”

He added, “From sweat and toiling on the sugar cane fields, they ensured that their children have a space at the table of decision making, today, a granddaughter of Bihar, India, and a daughter of Trinidad and Tobago has taken her rightful place as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago… not for the first time, but the second time. The Honourable Member for Siparia Kamla Persad, Bissessar of Senior Council.”

Hosein also praised the preservation of East Indian traditions and their integration into national life, calling for unity across differences.

Member of Parliament for Arouca/Lopinot Marvin Gonzales described Trinidad and Tobago as a cultural tapestry, highlighting the East Indian community’s impact on national identity through religion, culture, cuisine and tradition.

He said, “Ours is a tapestry woven from strands of the greatest cultures and construct from around the world. Each fibre is part of our lineage, our heritage, our essence and our very being. Together we create our Trinbago civilization, and today we honor a valuable component of our being. The East Indian community, the people, the culture, the religions, the stories, the traditions, the fashion, the architecture and the cuisine.”

Member of Parliament for Tobago West Joel Sampson also recognised the East Indian community’s strength, and contributions to the nation’s cultural and social fabric.