Contribution of Indians to SVG applauded

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has applauded the contributions made to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) by the Indian community here, noting that their input does not dilute the contributions of other groups such as the Garifuna and African descendants.

His comments were made at a ceremony held at Indian Bay on Sunday, June, 1, 2025, in observance of the 164th anniversary of the arrival of Indians to this country.

Dr Gonsalves noted that SVG has a rich blend of people of different ethnicities, who have come together to build the nation, adding that SVG continues to strengthen its relationship with India on a multiplicity of international issues.

President of the Indian Heritage Foundation, Junior Bacchus, meanwhile, said since their arrival to this country, Indians have worked hard to build themselves and their communities. He said, unlike in other Caribbean nations, there is much more harmony among the different ethnic groups in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The commemoration of Indian Arrival Day included a re- enactment at Indian Bay in which scores of Vincentians, including those of Indian descent, participated in the celebrations by wearing Indian outfits and eating Indian food.

By an Act of the Parliament on March 26, 2007, June 1, was recognized as Indian Arrival Day and October, 7, as Indian Heritage Day.(API)