Congrats, President Weekes

THE EDITOR: On behalf of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community, I extend warm congratulations to President Paula-Mae Weekes on her elevation to the highest office in TT. We wish her success in this important and prestigious position and look forward to a continued cordial relationship with the Office of the President.

The community has a long history of indigenous women in leadership as it has had a queen for over 200 years. Historical records show that from the early 1800s to the installation of present Carib Queen Jennifer Cassar, in 2011, the governance system has required a queen, chief, and pyai.

Last year, the Government took a forward step in increasing the visibility of the First Peoples by granting a one-off public holiday in our honour. This holiday was celebrated under the theme “On Becoming Visible Towards Meaningful Recognition.” While it was a one-off holiday, the positive outcomes are meant to be long lasting. We take this opportunity to thank immediate past president Anthony Carmona for his unreserved support to our cause, which contributed to greater visibility of the First Peoples.

We look forward to the demonstration of a greater awareness of the presence of the First Peoples from the Government, Opposition and local government levels, as well as other institutions of society. Such actions at the policy level and respect for our traditions and way of life will lead to fulfilment of the meaningful recognition we are seeking.

Our congratulations also go out to the Government, Opposition and people of TT for the unity and solidarity displayed in selecting and installing Weekes as the new President.

RICARDO BHARATH HERNANDEZ, chief, Santa Rosa First Peoples Community