SVG Indian Heritage Foundation cultural parade this afternon
The SVG Indian Heritage Foundation has issued an invitation to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to join as they celebrate Indian Heritage Day, today, Friday, October 7, 2011.{{more}}
On March 26, 2007, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through an Act of Parliament piloted by former Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste, declared June 1, 2007, as Indian Heritage Arrival Day and October 7, 2007, as Indian Heritage Day
On October 7, 1882, a group of approximately 50 Indian Indentured Labourers lead by the famous Argyle Seven took to the streets and held a march from Argyle to Kingstown to bring attention to their plight on the estates. Their courage, determination and sacrifice paved the way for the then Governor Robinson to order an investigation into the cause.
The action of the Indians caused a change; many were subsequently provided with their return passage to India, Trinidad and British Guyana, and some accepted £10.00 to remain in St. Vincent and Grenadines. The Indians who remained here settled in Calder, Richland Park, Lot 14 and Rose Bank.
The SVG Indian Heritage Foundation since its formation five years ago sought to commemorate this special day.
âWe, therefore, call on all Indians throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines to honour the sacrifice of our foreparents by joining the foundation and participating in the plan of activities to commemorate this day of courage,â a release from the Foundation said.
This afternoon, at 3:00 p.m, the Foundation will gather at the Nutricia Netball Centre at New Montrose to join the Girlsâ High School Heritage Club in a National Cultural Parade to Heritage Square. The general public is invited to dress in Indian garments, eat Indian foods and share in the Indian tradition.
âLet us, therefore, join together as a nation and embrace the spirit of the Argyle Seven. Resist any attempt to relegate the Indian community to a status of second class citizen. Indians like all other races toiled to build this nation,â the release said.
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