Chief of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community, Ricardo Bharath, is calling for the First Peoples to be given a national holiday. He believes that the one-off national holiday declared by the Prime Minister in 2016 was a significant first step.
Bharath emphasizes that Indigenous peoples have a unique and inherent right to their land, different from any other settler group. He views this as a special right and protection that needs to be recognized.
Back in 2018, the First Peoples were allocated 25 acres of land to establish the First Peoples Heritage and Living Museum in Arima. While progress has been slow due to bureaucratic processes, the community has been working on infrastructure developments, such as a WASA booster station and drainage work.
Bharath expressed disappointment that the focus on First Peoples’ culture after the national holiday has waned, calling for the group’s Heritage Day on October 14 to be made a permanent national holiday.
He acknowledges the efforts by the Ministry of Education to incorporate more of the First Peoples’ history and traditions into school curricula but believes there should be greater representation of First Peoples in influential positions.
Despite challenges with funding and bureaucracy, Bharath remains optimistic that the Heritage and Living Museum will be completed within the next five years. He envisions the site as a rallying point for the indigenous community and a space to showcase their culture.
Bharath advocates for meaningful recognition of the First Peoples, emphasizing the importance of empowering indigenous communities sustainably. He also highlights the issue of reparations, urging local governments to address past wrongs and advocate for reparations from colonizer countries.
Overall, Bharath’s vision is to create a space where indigenous people can feel seen, share their customs, and contribute to the tourism sector by educating visitors about their heritage and culture.
