Port of Spain recently witnessed a vibrant celebration of Indian Arrival Day, commemorating 180 years since the first group of Indian immigrants landed on its shores in 1845.
The Indian High Commission hosted the event on Nelson Island, a historic site symbolising the beginning of the Indian presence in the Caribbean nation.
Sunday’s event featured a rich blend of music and cultural performances, drawing a diverse crowd that included high-ranking government officials such as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jagdeo Singh, Deputy Speaker Aiyna Ali, several Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians, Mayors, and community leaders.
The Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers, attended as the chief guest, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Indian High Commissioner Pradeep Rajpurohit welcomed all dignitaries with traditional hospitality.
Attendees were also invited to tour the island’s historic ruins and exhibits that tell the story of the early Indian immigrants and their contributions to the country.
Indian Arrival Day, observed annually on May 30, marks the landing of the ship Fatel Razack, which brought 225 indentured Indian workers to Trinidad, then under British rule.
According to a statement from the Office of the President of Trinidad and Tobago, those first immigrants laid the foundation for a transformation that would shape the country’s future.
Although many had expected to return to India after completing their indentureship, most chose to stay, and their decision has had a lasting impact on the nation’s cultural and social fabric.
The President’s statement paid tribute to their resilience, courage, and cultural preservation, emphasizing that the legacy of these early immigrants continues to enrich the diverse society of Trinidad and Tobago.
India and Trinidad and Tobago have shared a close and friendly relationship since the Caribbean nation gained independence in 1962, with diplomatic ties established that same year.
The connection between the two countries has only strengthened over the decades, with ongoing high-level exchanges and collaborations.
As a testament to these enduring ties, India recently honoured President Christine Carla Kangaloo with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.
An Indo-Trinidadian herself, President Kangaloo has been recognised for her notable contributions to public life and for enhancing India’s standing on the world stage.
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She also delivered a widely acclaimed virtual address at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha in January 2025, where she reflected on the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
Over generations, the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago has evolved from indentured laborers to a powerful and influential community.
They are now prominent in business, politics, medicine, law, education, and other sectors, forming the largest and most culturally dynamic ethnic group in the Caribbean.
Their journey continues to be a source of pride and inspiration for both nations.
