First Peoples Renew Call For Greater Recognition Of Their History And Heritage

As Trinidad and Tobago observes Heritage Week, members of the First Peoples Community gathered at the Hyarima Monument on Wednesday for a traditional smoke ceremony honouring their ancestors and cultural heritage.

The occasion also provided an opportunity for the Chief of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community, Ricardo Bharath Hernandez, to renew his call for greater national recognition of Indigenous history and its significance to the country’s identity.

“Even not a full day, but I think lots more need to be done by the authorities to highlight the significance of the day and what it means to the country, so yes, it is with a difference this year, but we hope that as we continue, we will grow from strength to strength.”