Chaguanas Mayor commends TT’s African ancestors

CHAGUANAS Mayor Gopaul Boodhan said TT is a rich and diverse country and as a people, “we stand proud of those who paved the way for the children of today.
Speaking at a function on Wednesday to celebrate Emancipation Day, Boodhan paid tribute the African ancestors saying they were great souls who sacrificed, endured the impossible and yet held firm in the face of adversity and hardship.
“We carry the legacy of the past and we lead the future with that same grit and courage,” Boodhan said.
Based on the theme ‘We are One’, the mayor said, as a people we may have our differences, but we are committed to progress. “We  are one in success, we are one in peace, we are one in education, we are one in prosperity and we are one in celebration,” he said.
Councillor Debideen Manick brought greetings as well as the CEO of the Borough, Jameel Chadee Ameeral. Singer Ruth Joanne O’Garra sang African songs as well as calypso.
Former Miss Chaguanas Borough, D’Jennica Francis did a spoken word piece named based on Africa as a land of gold and diamond and the people who were made to be slaves in the early days.
The Niritya Priya Dance Academy provided African and Indian dances while Ivan Conliff played the steelpan. Drumming was provided by the Happy Drummers of Chaguanas.