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Message on Indian Arrival Day 2025

May 30, 2025

Message on Indian Arrival Day 2025

The story of the arrival of the Fatel Razack at the Port of Spain harbour on May 30th, 1845, and of what happened thereafter, is one of the most powerful and inspirational stories in our nation’s history. It is a story, not just of survival, but of triumph over every imaginable adversity. It teaches us what can be achieved when we persevere and do not give up.

The 225 passengers who disembarked from the Fatel Razack that day could hardly have known the transformative impact their arrival would have on the country. They came as immigrants, with the understanding that they would have the opportunity to return to India after five years of indentureship. Happily for Trinidad and Tobago, very few returned. The vast majority of them elected to remain in the country. And their courageous decision changed the course of our history, forever.

Today, 180 years later, we reflect, with respect and gratitude, on the experiences, sacrifices and enduring legacy of those fearless men and women. Their journey across the Kala-Pani was perilous, and we can imagine that loneliness and uncertainty must have threatened to overwhelm them, even before they arrived. We can also imagine that many of them might well have stepped off of that ship with downcast hearts. Yet, once on land, their indomitable spirit revived. Even though they had no temples, mosques or churches where they could seek solace, and even though their landlords, the colonial British Raj, discouraged social gatherings and subtly frustrated any effort at worship, they refused to languish and die. Instead, they held firm to their principles and beliefs, and devoted themselves to changing difficulties into opportunities. The result has been one of the greatest lessons in resilience that our country has ever witnessed.

Rising above discrimination, injustices, and harsh working and living conditions, they worked hard and silently, slowly building themselves into a powerful and productive force the likes of which, even to the most optimistic observer at the time, must not have seemed remotely possible when first they dragged their tired bodies off of the ship by which they were transported here. Shored up by their rich traditions, deeply held values and aspirations for a better life, they ushered in a period which would leave an indelible mark on the cultural, social, demographic and economic landscape of our nation.

On Indian Arrival Day we celebrate their rich and lasting legacy. We celebrate their courage and their resilience, and the values and traditions that sustained them throughout their years of hardship and uncertainty. And we thank them for safeguarding and passing down the rich cultural heritage which has enriched and strengthened the fabric of Trinbagonian society beyond measure.

This year, let us use the occasion of Indian Arrival Day to pay tribute to their legacy, not just by expressions of gratitude and congratulations, but also by the way in which we choose to live, daily. Let us commit to leading lives that exemplify the values they worked so hard to preserve. Let us undertake to do our part to contribute to the growth and development of the country that they worked so hard to build. Let us dedicate ourselves to completing the work that they began of creating a more respectful and unified society.

The story of Indian indentureship teaches us what can be achieved when individuals choose to commit to a vision greater than themselves. This Indian Arrival Day, let us choose to commit ourselves to the vision of a greater Trinidad and Tobago.

I extend best wishes to all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago for a joyous and a reflective Indian Arrival Day.

Photos Courtesy Jeff Mayers.

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The Office of the President was delighted to welcome students of the Barrackpore West Secondary School and members of Bethel World Outreach Ministries to The President’s House this week.The visitors enjoyed guided tours of the historic grounds—home to a rich variety of flora and fauna—and explored some of the public rooms of the Great House. 📸 See more highlights from their visit:👉 Barrackpore West Secondary School: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyp4X👉 Bethel World Outreach Ministries: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyfa5 ... See MoreSee Less

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Media Release His Excellency Wade Mark Acting President appoints Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the new Chief Justice The Office of the President wishes to advise that in accordance with Section 102 of the Constitution, His Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appointed Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, today, October 22, 2025 at a ceremony at the President’s House. This follows the announced retirement of The Honourable the Chief Justice Mr. Justice Ivor Archie ORTT from the position of Chief Justice effective, October 22, 2025. Present to witness the swearing in ceremony was Mrs. Aberleen Boodoosingh, and Ms. Amiya Boodoosingh , wife and daughter of the new Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Ivor Archie, ORTT, former Chief Justice, Senator the Honourable John Jeremie SC, Attorney General, the Hon. Roger Alexander, MP Minister of Homeland Security, Chief of Defence Staff, Captain Don Polo and Ag. Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin.The Honourable, the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Roonie Boodoosingh, formerly Justice of Appeal, was admitted to practise as an attorney-at-law in Trinidad and Tobago on 30 October, 1992, and appointed a Judge in Supreme Court of Judicature of Trinidad and Tobago in September 2007. Justice Boodoosingh served as a High Court Judge in both the Criminal and Civil jurisdictions. In 2020, Justice Boodoosingh was elevated to Judge of the Court of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago.Prior to be being appointed as a Judge, Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh was employed as a Lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2001 and in 2007 was appointed as the Course Director of the Trial Advocacy Programme. He also serves as Coach and Adviser to school’s Mooting Teams including the CCJ Moot Team.Justice Boodoosingh is the holder of a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Legal Education Certificate, as well as a Master of Laws in International Dispute Resolution.Justice Boodoosingh has notably published The Complete Advocate, a textbook on Advocacy in the Commonwealth Caribbean, and in 2020, Advocacy in Point Form and Advocacy in Verse, as well as a Practical Guide to Evidence in Civil Cases.The Honourable, the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Roonie Boodoosingh, in a brief statemen, shared his humility in accepting the new position and thanked the former Chief Justice for his service. Her thanked his family and committed to continuing the work that is required to move the judiciary forward. His Excellency, Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, raised a toast and congratulated the Chief Justice on his appointment, “Your elevation to this distinguished office is a reflection of your integrity, your unwavering dedication to justice, and your steadfast service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I wish you continued wisdom, courage, and strength as you undertake this vital responsibility.” His Excellency also thanked the former Chief Justice for his service, “seventeen years of leadership at the helm of the Judiciary is no ordinary achievement. You have served with distinction, leaving an indelible mark on the administration of justice and on the nation as a whole. On behalf of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, I express sincere gratitude for your commitment and your enduring contribution to the rule of law. “ ... See MoreSee Less

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#WatchliveHis Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appoints the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T updated their cover photo.

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The President’s House was the destination of choice for Standard Four students of the La Horquetta South Government Primary School last week! 🇹🇹✨Groups of students had the wonderful opportunity to:🏛️ Visit the official residence of the Head of State🎖️ Reenact official ceremonies📘 Learn about the role and functions of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and TobagoIt was a memorable and educational experience for all!📸 See highlights from their tours:🔗 La Horquetta South Government Primary SchoolOctober 14, 2025👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCycx👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCycyGOctober 16, 2025👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCy79M👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCy7e1 ... See MoreSee Less

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