Vincentian publishes book about the history of Indo-Vincentians

THE HISTORY of Indians who journeyed from India to St. Vincent and that of their descendants has been documented in a book published by one of those descendants.

The book “Stories from Our Indian Elders” has drawn its content from multiple sources,interviews and commentary from the author, in an easy to understand style. The book is written by Dornald Lenroy Thomas who grew up in Richland Park but now resides in Instanbul,Turkey.

It summarises the conditions that existed both in India and St. Vincent and the Grenadines( SVG), before the first Indians braved the seas to travel to the Caribbean Island. We see the reasons why they embarked on this journey and are told about their lives after landing and their descendants’ lives over the last 168 years. Eight interviews with Indian elders are featured, along with the existing records to corroborate and authenticate this history. The book also shows how Indians in SVG and in the diaspora can connect with their existing families in India and looks at future relationship possibilities between SVG and India.

“Stories from our Indian Elders” aims to help fill the literary gap that has existed over the years regarding the history and life of Indians of SVG and will be useful to students and others who want to learn more about the topic, a release states.

According to Dr. Adrian Fraser, former Head of the University of the West Indies Open Campus, this book “…is really for all Vincentians since the Indian population is a significant part of the nation and has made valuable contributions to overall national development…” It is “…a useful document for all Vincentians interested in Vincentian history and nationhood”.

The book is available in paperback at Bowman’s Pharmacy in Kingstown, and on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and hardcover formats.

Thomas is involved with projects and organisations connected with St. Vincent and the Grenadines inluding the Indian Heritage Foundation.