Special event Sunday to mark Indian Arrival Day

Wednesday, June 1, marked 155 years since the arrival of the first ship of East Indian indentured workers from India to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

On March 26, 2007, the Government of SVG, with support from the Oppo-sition, officially declared June 1 as Indian Arrival Day, through an Act of Parliament. Consequently, the SVG Indian Heritage Foundation will commemorate the special day with activities on Sunday, June 5.{{more}}

The supporters and wellwishers of the Indian diaspora will, on Sunday at 9 a.m., gather at Indian Bay to unveil an advertising billboard to identify the beach to both Vincentians and visitors alike. Following the unveiling ceremony, participants and guests will journey by both sea and land to Wallilabou Anchorage for the official ceremony.

Presentations will be made by our local and foreign visiting delegates of the Indian diaspora.

These visiting delegates include Surujdeo Mangaroo and a few members of the National Council of Indian Culture Trinidad and Tobago (NCIC TT), who will be journeying here from Trinidad and Tobago to take part in the commemorative anniversary.

The Denzil Bacchus Blues Band will provide entertainment, along with dancing and modelling of Indian wear by local and visiting delegates from Trinidad and Tobago.

The highlight of the day will be tributes and recognition of four senior Indians for their contributions to their communities. The honorees are Reynold Thomas of Calder, Reynold Bullock of Yambou, Larson Sutherland of Biabou and Marion Woods of Richland Park.