PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Source: KEITH COMPTON – 719-9160 / 452-8134 INDIAN PRIDE ON THE RISE! CASTRIES, Wednesday, May 29, 2013 – Indo-St. Lucians’ bid for recognition was awarded a significant boost last Sunday when they were given the official nod from a slew of local officials who delivered the assurance that their quest to take their proper seat in the annals of St. Lucian history is guaranteed. Over the past few months there has been a concerted movement to give Saint Lucians of Indian descent their due by way of recognition of their contribution to the development of the island over the last 154 years when the first indentured Labourers from India arrived here to work the land, following the abolition of slavery. To date, Indo-St. Lucians have made noteworthy contributions to, and continue to excel in various fields including politics, medicine, agriculture, media and communications and law to name a few. Praise and endorsement were delivered by many such as the Guyana Consul to St. Lucia Lokesh Singh who pledged his office’s continued support to the development of Indians on the island. The gathering also heard from the island’s sole Hindu Priestess Anna Sadoo of the Jagannatha Bindu Sarovara Temple who said that her organization welcomed anyone who was interested in learning more about the Hindu Faith and Indian culture. Another of the special guest speakers was Adil Pervez Sherwani owner & Director of the famous Indian restaurant at the Bay Walk Mall “Spice Of India” He brought his three Chefs who had prepared mouth watering Indian delicacies to share with the participants at the celebration.. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office Allison Gajhadar - who is of Indian descent - also attended the event with her family, meeting friends and family from the scores of Indo-St. Lucians from around the island who were at the Indian celebration in Marigot. In her address, Ms. Gajhadar spoke of her experience growing up in St. Lucia where she said she faced no discrimination; she lauded the acceptance of St. Lucians of Indian Descent that she said has assured a fully integrated society. She also applauded the move to recognize Indians here and pledged her office’s support in future endeavours. Scores of Indo-St. Lucians, their friends and family also heard from Historian Eric Branford who gave some insight into how the Indians arrived in Saint Lucia spicing up his address with some spicy anecdotes. Branford also fully endorsed the association, adding that the Indian Heritage Association of St Lucia under the helmsman ship of Activist Keith Compton will be given full recognition and is hereby accepted as an Institutional Member of the Archaeological Historical Society The gathering was also assured by Compton that plans are afoot for an Indian National Day in St. Lucia where official recognition will be given to the “everything Indian” on island including cuisine, fashion, faith as all is being done to foster pride in the race in St. Lucia. The celebration ended with dancing and music as well as a fine display of Indian food that was richly appreciated by everyone there. The Indian Heritage Association of St. Lucia operating under the theme: “Unity in Diversity” is continuing to bring the message of Indian pride to every St. Lucian of Indo descent here, is planning yet another celebration this time in Soufriere next month. -30- Note to Editors/News Directors, you may contact Eric Branford and/or Allison (Plummer) Gajhadar for further comment. Lokesh Singh is currently off island and returns mid month. - SW
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 20:40:11 +0000
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