Our cultural diversity is a strength which we must utilise

All Vincentians should be very supportive of the continuing efforts of the local Indian community to celebrate their first arrival here in June 1861. Arriving as what the British colonialists called “indentured servants”, a cynical attempt to import labour from the other side of the world rather than provide decent wages and working conditions to the newly freed African slaves, the Indians were to undergo a truly new experience.

Today, the descendants of those who stuck it out in this tiny country far away from home, gather on the anniversary of the original landing to celebrate not only that first arrival but also their significant contribution to the development of St Vincent and the Grenadines. It is a testimony not only to their tenacity as a people, but also to their invaluable role in shaping Vincentian history and national identity. The annual celebration is therefore an exercise in extolling ethnic cultural diversity.

It raises the thought whether there should not be greater involvement of the rest of the population in the celebrations of the Indian community. It is a positive step that there has been official recognition of Indian Arrival Day including political representation at the highest levels as we strive for greater national cohesion. In this effort greater awareness and respect for our cultural identity is an essential element.

The circumstances of our existence under a brutal colonial administration itself is testimony to our faith and determination. Every effort was made to separate the principal ethnic groups which constitute the current Vincentian nation, and to denigrate their respective cultural practices. That today, we can, as a nation, commemorate National Heroes’ Day in tribute to the Garifuna and Kalinago people, to have a national holiday to celebrate the emancipation of African slaves and now have Indian Arrival Day recognized officially, says a lot about our resilience. In this, there is also need for the descendants of Portuguese indentured servants to follow the lead of their Indian brothers and sisters in organizing to celebrate their own accomplishments here.

We need to build on the splendid efforts so far. There is need for greater education of our people, especially the young ones about our historical development. That involves not only an understanding of our historical circumstances but also an appreciation of our respective cultural practices. There are still too many negative drawbacks from the colonial period of divide and rule which undermine respect for our cultural differences, which are still barriers to our full appreciation of what the respective strands have contributed to our national development.

Our cultural diversity is a strength, not a weakness and we must utilize it fully to propel and enhance our national development.