E-Paper
160th anniversary of Indians in Trinidad and Tobago
The first ship carrying Indians reached the islands on May 30, 1845, establishing relations between two nations.
The month-long celebrations of the 160th anniversary of the arrival of the first Indians in Trinidad and Tobago begin Saturday with an effort to build stronger relations between India and the Caribbean islands.
Announcing this, Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to India Pundit Manideo Persad said several functions would be held to mark the anniversary in India and as well in the two-island nation.
The first ship carrying the Indians for Trinidad and Tobago reached the islands May 30, 1845, establishing communication and relations between the two nations.
Under the theme 'Strengthening of Relations: Trinidad and Tobago/India', the conference Saturday would seek to start a greater interaction between the peoples of the two nations for mutual benefit, especially in trade and cultural relations, said Persad.
"At this time, three countries of CARICOM (Caribbean Community), Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, have resident missions in New Delhi, and it is interesting to note that these countries of the Caribbean have the experience of indentureship, and in fact have a significant portion of their populations being of Indian origin," he said at a press conference Monday night.
The conference Saturday and Monday would seek to explore opportunities for investment by Indian business in Trinidad and Tobago, about 40 per cent of whose population of 1.3 million is of Indian extraction.
Persad also pointed out that the Indian cricket team would stay in Trinidad and Tobago when it goes to the West Indies for the 2007 World Cup.
"We view this as presenting tremendous opportunities for interaction, which we wish to promote and explore as we prepare for 2007," he said.
Twice World Cup winner, the West Indies, as the joint cricket of the Caribbean islands is called, is hosting the premier tournament for the first time.
As part of the 160th anniversary, Trinidad and Tobago is also undertaking project called 'As we Celebrate, We Lend a Helping Hand'.
An NGO would be the beneficiary of the project, headed by Persad's wife Rohini and the women of the New Delhi mission. The NGO chosen is the Navjyoti Police Foundation, which would receive the proceeds of a charity dinner to assist in funding their programmes for children and women.
