The Indian Heritage Association of St. Lucia Celebrating our Cultural Influences in a Modern Society In 1838, Indians arrived in the Caribbean under indenture. They were brought to save the cultivation and processing of sugar cane. Although indenture ended in 1917, Indians remained in the Caribbean; mostly in Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica, but a total of about six thousand Indians came to St. Lucia. By the turn of the century, about half the indentured labourers returned to India after finishing their working contracts. Others took the offer to remain in St. Lucia with the payment of either ten acres of land or ten pounds sterling. By the start of the twentieth century, two and a half thousand Indians settled in dozens of villages across the island. Essentially, Indian communities sprang up in Pierrot, Augier, Belle Vue, Cacoa, La Caye, Dennery, Marc, Forestierre, Anse La Raye and Balca; nearby community sugar factories. Although the Indians preserved most of their culture and traditions as well as protected their families, there became a high rate of interracial relations between black men and Indian women; resulting in a mixed population. This was the start of a blended culture and stands as the core of the Indian Heritage influence in St. Lucia. Because the Indians occupy the minority of St. Lucia, their traditions became less recognized and practiced – although, influences can still be seen in iconic cultural events such as – The Festival of Lights (Dwali). Mr. Keith Compton, a hotel owner and past flight engineer in the United States Air Force, identified a need for the exploration and boost in awareness of the Indian heritage and cultural influences in St. Lucia. In May 2013, Mr. Compton established the Indian Heritage Association of St. Lucia. The initiative began as a means of the promotion of Indian culture with the intentions to expand with greater objectives. Mr. Compton thought it necessary to preserve the culture and enhance a general sense of identity among the Indians in St. Lucia. The objectives of Indian Association are bigger than any single event, or simply just the promotion of the culture. It seeks to be implemented into the national agenda, perhaps drawing the attention and endorsement of organizations such as the Government of St. Lucia, The Cultural Development Foundation and the Saint Lucia Tourist Board. One of the greater aspirations of the Indian Association is to establish a cottage industry within the group for the production of Indian clothing, food, pottery, etc. Last year, to boost awareness and to mark the establishment of the organization, the Association hosted its first Indian heritage celebration showcase in Vieux Fort. The event explored the elements of traditional Indian culture – food, drink, song, dance and more. Well attended by community members of both Indian and non-Indian descent, government and corporate leaders, as well as regional participants, the event showed great potential and received tremendous review to develop and expand. This year, the Indian Heritage association is planning to host the second of its Indian celebration events on 10th August 2014, with a promise for a higher quality showcase and expansion of the experience across the island. Although a newly established association, it has broken ground by aligning itself with other regional associations in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Belize, St. Vincent, Grenada and more recently, Trinidad. Mr. Keith Compton markets the association through his travels and invitations to lecture at regional meetings. To provide an elevated Indian experience, the Association is seeking support from the private and public sector. At the early stages, both governmental and private owned organizational representatives have shown interest in this initiative. At this time, the association seeks to formalize this support and see it through till execution. Please consider your contribution to preserving the awareness of the Indian culture and heritage in St. Lucia. Keith A.C. Compton. Founding Member & President. Indian Heritage Association of St Lucia.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 06:17:25 +0000
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