By R. Butcher. Updated 1:10 p.m., Thursday, October 2, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The SVG Indian Heritage Foundation (SVGIHF) will celebrate the 18th anniversary of Indian Heritage Day on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with activities honoring the struggles and contributions of their ancestors.
The SVGIHF continues its series, “Conversations with Our Elders” and “Conversations with Outstanding Persons of Indian Heritage in SVG and the Diaspora,” in honour of their ancestors. Through these programmes, the Foundation interviews elders and distinguished persons of Indian heritage, sharing their stories on YouTube and on its website, http://www.svgihf.org
To date, 27 stories have been shared, with two more—featuring Mrs. Kay Bacchus-Baptiste and Mr. Dennis Gaymes—scheduled for release on Indian Heritage Day 2025.
The Foundation has also honoured fourteen (14) outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to its success over the years.
As it commemorates this historic day, the Foundation invites members of the public, supporters, and friends to participate by wearing Indian attire and enjoying Indian cuisine. Participants are encouraged to share photos and videos of their outfits, food, and artefacts with Mr. Colvin Harry, PRO of the SVGIHF, via email at koolkiddsvg@gmail.com
or WhatsApp at 1 (784) 530-9864.
Indian Heritage Day derives its significance from the events of October 7, 1882, when fifty (50) barefooted Indians from the Argyle Estate marched to Kingstown in defiance of the estate manager, Mr. McKenzie, and the laws of St. Vincent.
They carried their grievances about harsh working and living conditions directly to the Lieutenant Governor. Following this protest, conditions on the estates improved, and the Indians were eventually able to purchase their own lands and provide for their families independently.
The Foundation acknowledges and appreciates the hardships, struggles, persistence, and sacrifices endured by the fore-parents who journeyed to this part of the world, making it possible for their descendants to be here today. It continues to pass on this knowledge to children and grandchildren, who are increasingly interested in their roots and heritage.
Genealogy sites have been established for those wishing to trace their family trees and discover their ancestry. Many persons of Indian heritage have made tremendous contributions to the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to the wider world in various fields.
The Foundation congratulates and salutes them.
This information was sent to us by the SVG Indian Heritage Foundation.
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