Ancestors remain at Red House

COREY CONNELLY

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, yesterday, assured descendants of TT’s indigenous peoples that a monument would be established at the Red House, Port of Spain, in tribute to their ancestors whose remains were discovered at the site of the historic building three years ago.

Addressing observances to mark the one-off public holiday for the First Peoples at the Arima Velodrome, Rowley said the monument would be constructed at the Red House when its refurbishment exercise was completed in 2018.

“As the Parliament returns to be seated in that Red House, I give you the commitment that an appropriate monument will be established on that ground after appropriate consultation with those who are relevant to such developments,” he said amid thunderous applause from the gathering, which included First Peoples descendants from the Caribbean, North America and Europe.

“I can report to you now that the long-stalled work at the Red House, which houses the Parliament, that work has been restarted this year. It is progressing apace,” Rowley said.

He also told celebrants that, at the appropriate time towards the completion of the construction and before the Parliament returned, a ceremonial event would take place. “Those ancient bones will be restored at the appropriate location on the Red House site marking with respect, those whom we have disturbed at the site.”

He also responded to repeated appeals from the Santa Rosa First Peoples for assistance in constructing their heritage village on a 25-acre parcel of land, along the Blanchisseuse Road, Arima.

Rowley said while he could not commit to giving the community a huge financial contribution, “What I can promise you is the full co-operation of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, through its many agencies, towards ensuring that there is a heritage village built on your chosen site here in Arima to continue celebrating.”

He added: “It is my expectation that very soon, on a day like this, they will meet to celebrate, for these same reasons, in the cultural and heritage village of the First Peoples in Arima.” Saying that members of the Santa Rosa community had led the charge in advancing the cause of the First Peoples, Rowley also acknowledged that other groups also desired to claim their space.

“While you here in Arima have received your parcel of land–it took us a little time to go through the administrative process to ensure you get this unencumbered parcel of land– I am aware that there are communities in the deep south of Trinidad who claim ancestry as you claim here in Arima.

“And, it is the intention of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to consult with such peoples and ensure that they, too, have access to a parcel of State land in that area to continue their traditions.”

Yesterday’s event, the highlight of a week-long programme of activities, titled “On Becoming Visible Towards Meaningful Recognition,” began with a smoke ceremony at the First Peoples Hyarima statue at the corner of Railway Road and Eastern Main Road, Arima.

This was followed by a parade through the main streets in the eastern borough.

The Prime Minister participated in the procession, which was led by president of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community Chief Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez and Carib Queen Jennifer Cassar.