Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Members of the Ratnavali Group perform at the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica's annual awards banquet and cultural presentation, in commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Jamaica. - PHOTO BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
IT WAS a special night for celebrating the heritage of a proud race. The National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica hosted its annual banquet at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Friday, May 20.
The banquet is one of the many activities the Indian community host to celebrate the arrival of their ancestors to Jamaica. This year was even more special as it was the 160th anniversary of the first landing. The festivities nearly went awry when a section of the ballroom's curtains caught fire. But no one was injured and the programme proceeded without any hitches.
PROUD OF THEIR ISLAND HOME
President of the council, Beryl Williams-Singh, joked that like cricket, 160 is an admirable score. She reflected on the ancestors who, though facing many challenges, still paved the way for the descendants. She pointed out that those who were born in Jamaica, were proud of their island home.
She lauded them for their contributions in various fields. She also remembered the council's work over the years.
The occasion was also a special one for new Indian High Commissioner Shri Kailash Lall Agrawal as it was his first. He pledged the commission's continued support of their activities.
FIVE HONOURED
Since 1999, the council awards individuals for their contributions to the Indian community. This year, five persons, two in absentia, were honoured. Delroy Bowla and Dr. Sitaran Poddar (for community service) and Professor Omkar Parshad, a founding member of the Indian Cultural Society, collected their awards while Clarice Calu and Rebecca McGilchrist couldn't attend the function.
Guests were treated to tasty entrees such as tandoori chicken and mutton rogan; vegetable dishes such as alou roti; as well as various salads. Entertainment was provided by the Naya Zamana Band as well as the Shiv Sangi Group from Trinidad and Tobago. The audience also enjoyed dance items from the Ratnavali Group, the Gallow Girls and Friends and the Prema Youth Group.
