The programme organised by the Indian Religious Cultural and Social Organisation (IRCSO), included electrifying performances from several `Tassa’ drummers, a 2003 Indian Immigration Rani pagent, classical songs and dances, a display of various Indian garments, an exhilarating performance by children from the West Coast of Demerara, skits and a grand float parade noted as one of the best in recent times.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, in his remarks, admitted to the mammoth gathering at the Joe Vieira Park how very pleased he was to attend those festivities in celebration of Indian Arrival Day.

The Head of State noted that since the arrival of the first immigrants from India to these shores 165 years ago, Indians have contributed significantly to the prosperity of this country. He complimented the Indians of this country for the tremendous achievements made by themselves and their forefathers over the long years of hard work and struggle.

President Jagdeo noted that May 5 is a very significant day in the history of the Guyanese calendar for it was on this day, 165 years ago, that the forefathers of many of us landed in this country to work on plantations, some of whom were placed on the West Bank of Demerara.

Last year, at a similar function at the same venue, the President endorsed the timely message of ‘Jihaji’ (brotherhood) in his repeated calls for national unity and brotherhood to move this country forward. Yesterday, he again stressed the need for Guyanese, not only of Indian descent, but Guyanese from all races, colour and creed to work together in national unity and in a committed way to move our dear Guyana forward.

In a message to mark the occasion, President Jagdeo stated: “We are a diverse nation; our nation has been peopled by various ethnic groups who over the course of our history came from different lands and who transposed their cultures to this land, in the process diversifying and enriching the cultural mosaic of Guyana.”

“The arrival of the vessel bringing the first East Indians to our shores was indeed a watershed event in the history of Guyana. From this beginning, the East Indian community has grown from strength to strength, making an indispensable contribution to the development- economic social and religious- of our country,” he added.

He noted, too, that life was not easy for these immigrants and their descendants but that “theirs was a spirit that would not succumb to disillusionment”.

“They continued to carve out a place for themselves in this land and have distinguished themselves in all aspects of our national life. Despite occasional problems, East Indians have generally co-existed harmoniously with the other ethnic groups in Guyana, and therefore on this auspicious occasion I reiterate the need for all our people to live together in peace and unity. I also wish to reiterate our position that the Government sees our rich ethnic diversity as an asset,” the President stated.