A rich cultural programme was hosted by the Events Committee of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two yesterday in observance of the 185th anniversary of the arrival of Indians to Guyana.
The event was held at the Bush Lot East Indian Settlement site at Cotton Field, Essequibo and featured performances by leading local dance troupes. It also featured Bhajaans, hymns, poems, dances, reflections and Qaseeda. The occasion was blessed by the leaders from the three main religions and the Guyana and Indian flags were hoisted.
The Bush Lot East Indian settlement monument was recommissioned in 2021 by Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr K J Srinivasa under the auspices of the Arrival Day Committee and the Region Two Administration.
Region Two Chairwoman Vilma De Silva said she was happy to join residents in commemorating the arrival of Indians to Guyana. She said the arrival of Indians to Guyana was a turning point in Guyanese history and despite the struggles and hardships they faced, they left an enduring legacy. She said that the legacy was still evident in society in the form of music, foods and dances.
Expounding on the history of the East Indian Settlement at Bush Lot, retired headteacher Parmeshwar Lall reminded the gathering that Anna Regina was the first sugar plantation which was allotted Indian indentured labourers to work in the then British Guiana. He said his grandmother came from India and settled in Region Two. He has the historic documents and would usually reflect on them.
He added that the Indians who came with the SS Hesperus in 1838 were distributed to three estates: Vreed-En-Hoop, De Standvastigheid on the West Bank Berbice, and Anna Regina.
At Cotton Field, 56 Indians were allotted to the Anna Regina Plantation including three women and six children, he related. In 1843 some Indians returned to their homeland with money in their pockets. From the 56 who were sent to Anna Regina, four reportedly died.
The former headteacher said that Indian ancestors left a rich legacy which many Guyanese continue to follow. He urged people to continue to read their history and to conduct research on the East Indian Bush Lot Settlement.
Also attending the programme were Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, Regional Executive Officer Susannah Saywack and Regional Commander Khemraj Shivbaran.
