Executive Chairman of the Board of Governors of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), Professor Selwyn Cudjoe, is defending the inclusion of East Indian elements in UTT’s African Emancipation Day celebration last week, saying similar cross-cultural presentations have long formed part of commemorative events hosted by the institution.

Critics of UTT’s Emancipation celebrations argued that the inclusion of East Indian cultural performances alongside Emancipation Day observances diminished the historical significance of the occasion and was disrespectful to the legacy of emancipation.

Speaking on Trinidad and Tobago Today, Professor Cudjoe rejected suggestions that the inclusion of East Indian performances alongside African drumming was unprecedented.