Indian community must be congratulated for its massive strides

May 05, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

As we celebrate Indian Arrival Day (IAD), it is appropriate that all of us, irrespective of race, colour or creed congratulate the Indian Community for the massive strides they have made since arriving here in 1838 to supplement the labour force as a result of Emancipation.
Indo Guyanese, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhist and Christians have by diligence and hard work climbed with distinction to the highest rung of the ladder in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
From the time of their arrival they were faced with the harsh conditions practiced by the plantocracy whose only concern was making fabulous fortunes from the labour of those who worked on the sugar estates.
I grew up in the southern part of Georgetown and alongside my parents, mingled lovingly and respectfully with Indo Guyanese, whether they be Hindus, Muslims Buddhist or Christians.
In a plural society they have set good examples in the Arts, Sport, Culture Industry, their professions, academia, media operatives and politics. Their virtues are good examples for all to emulate.
A virtue that needs to be noted is how the earlier Indian Immigrants practiced deferred gratification and how later they willingly and quickly embraced education, and the trades learnt from the Manumitted Africans.
This mingling I can attest has produced in every region, what I term those delightful douglas.
On this day, as we congratulate all Guyanese but in particular Indo Guyanese on Indian Arrival Day, let us not ignore vital lessons, history offers.
From earliest inhuman history, without exception, every group produced the quintessence of goodness and the nadir of evil. This remains the challenge of our species.
As I prepared this note, I remembered the story of Ali Baba and the thieves; a story of greed, and goodness, a story of loyalty and disloyalty, a story of honour and dishonour. These qualities emerged when sudden massive wealth was discovered in a cave.
As we celebrate today, let us not ignore the small numbers, who may tarnish the good name of the majority of their kith and kin.
On behalf of my family and myself, Happy and peaceful Indian Arrival Day!

Hamilton Green
Elder

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