It was an emotional day for many who travelled to Nelson Island on May 25 to witness the first official re-enactment of East-indian indentured labourers' arrival to T&T.Some were visibly moved as Princess Town theatre company, Iere Productions Ltd, convincingly went through their paces, capturing the imagination of onlookers who seemed to by trying to appreciate the harsh reality of their ancestors' experience.The re-enactment was organised by a Cabinet-appointed committee chaired by historian and genealogist, Shamshu Deen and included government archivist Avril Belfron.
Saturday's event was intended for government officials and other dignitaries in attendance were President Anthony Carmona and several government ministers including AG Anand Ramlogan,Legal Affairs minister Prakash Ramadhar, Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development Marlene Coudray and National Diversity and Social Integration Minister, Clifton De Coteau. Indian High Commissioner Malay Mishra was also among the dignitaries at Nelson Island.
Minister from the Office of the Prime Minister, Rodger Samuel, delivered the feature speech on behalf of PM Persad-Bissessar who was unable to attend."They came to these shores tired and hungry from a long journey at sea, after crossing the "Kala Pani," but, most importantly, they came with hope and a spirit of adventure," said Samuel. "Indeed, the Indian community has made, and continues to make, an indelible mark on the national landscape of T&T."
The minister said the re-enactment would help to raiseawareness in the national community of the rich history of Nelson Island in particular, and its potential for its development of a National Heritage Site.He said when the restorative work being undertaken on Nelson Island is completed, the buildings form part of the overall experience of the system of indentured labour in T&T, and also aid in educating people about the history and impact of Nelson Island.
Organisations involved in the re-enactment
Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration
National Archives
National Trust
National Museum
Ministry of Works and Infrastructure
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism
Ministry of National Security
Ministry of Community Development
National Council of Indian Culture
Chaguaramas Development Authority
Department of Creative and Festival Arts, UWI
Hindu Prachar Kendra
ASJA Archives and Museum