On Sunday, May 11, the Indian population in Jamaica will be celebrating their 180th year since arriving on the island in 1845 with a host of activities. This is to recognise the significant contribution of Indians to Jamaica’s social and economic development.

The Jamaican Government had in 1995 declared May 10th as Indian Heritage Day.

The National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica will on Sunday commemorate their arrival with a series of musical and dance tributes at Chedwin Park, Old Harbour Road, starting at 2:00 pm.

Old Harbour Bay in St Catherine was the location where the first group of 261 indentured labourers from India arrived in Jamaica aboard the SS Blundell.

Indentured labour is a system where individuals agree to work for a specified period, often in return for transportation and living expenses or to pay off debts. It was a form of contract labour that replaced slavery, which was abolished in 1833.

There will be a pre-show at Emancipation Park on Friday, May 9, between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm with live musical and dance performances. Chutney soca star Renuka Mahabir will be in action along with Veejai Ramkissoon and band; Maharaj Sangeet and Raaja Getta Bhojpuri bands and the Clarendon Tassa band.

There will also be performances by the Classical Kathak Dance group, the Padatik Bollywood Dance Troupe from India, and the Indo-Jamaican Bollywood Dances.

On display will also be traditional Indian dishes; Indo-Jamaican dishes, assorted roti and traditional breads and Indian and local beers and liquors.

Admission will be free.