First Peoples’ fight for visibility

CHIEF of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community Ricardo Bharath says it is time for the First Peoples to be given a national holiday.

The Chief of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community, Ricardo Bharath, is advocating for a national holiday to celebrate the First Peoples' Heritage Day on October 14. He believes that this day should be recognized to highlight the group's unique history, culture, and traditions, which have contributed significantly to Trinidad and Tobago.

Bharath points out that while more First Peoples' history and traditions are being taught in schools, there is still a need for increased representation on boards, in parliament, and other organizations where they can influence change through legislation and other means. He adds that students from both locally and regionally visit their offices regularly to gather information for their studies.

At the First Peoples Community Centre in Arima, Bharath explains that infrastructure work at the site is carried out through government tenders, while traditional structures are built by the First Peoples. They have been planting trees, constructing huts, and improving roads and electricity on-site.

Despite these efforts, Bharath expresses concerns about the slow pace of development due to bureaucratic processes. He hopes to see the site completed within five years but has doubts due to the limited resources and the need for essential buildings like a cassava factory and washrooms.

The First Peoples are allocated a small budget annually, which Bharath says is insufficient for their projects and educational programs. He adds that their line ministry, Community Development, does not come directly to them, and they only state their plans, which are then implemented by the ministry.

Bharath believes that the First Peoples should be able to manage their own finances, as stated in the United Nations Declaration, which allows indigenous people to handle their own affairs. He highlights the challenges faced when government bodies manage those funds, despite their input on what is needed.

Since acquiring the land, Bharath has observed a stronger sense of community but would like to see more youth involvement and pride in their culture. He feels that when the heritage site is complete, it will serve as a rallying point for the indigenous community, especially the youth, who will know they have a place in society.

Bharath emphasizes the importance of a First Peoples public holiday, which will allow them to showcase their culture and attract and educate more people. He believes that such recognition is essential for motivating young indigenous people to contribute to their community and attain positions of influence.

Despite the challenges, Bharath remains hopeful that the First Peoples Heritage and Living Museum will be completed within the next five to seven years. He is committed to creating a space where the First Peoples can feel seen and share their customs with others, potentially boosting the tourism sector.

While Bharath appreciates recognition, he stresses the need for meaningful measures to empower the First Peoples sustainably, such as reparations. He notes that the appointment of a national reparations committee by Cabinet is a step in the right direction, and local governments should demonstrate their efforts in addressing concerns to advocate for reparations from colonizer countries.