KINGSTON, Jamaica – Culture Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange on Sunday announced the appointment of chairman of the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica (NCICJ), Vishu Tolan, as a commissioner of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

Speaking at the NCICJ annual Indian Family Fun Day held at Chedwin Park, St Catherine, Minister Grange said the move will ensure that the Indian culture is promoted and celebrated equally with all the other cultures.

“So when we celebrate independence, when we celebrate what is so beautiful about Jamaica, the Indian culture will be a part of those wonderful experiences,” she added.

The minister, noting the significance of the contribution of the Indian population to the Jamaican culture, also announced that, “going forward, the Government will be donating a grant towards the staging of this event every year to ensure the preservation and continuation of the Indian culture here in Jamaica”.

The culture minister also used the opportunity to congratulate the NCICJ for staging the commemorative event which “reminds the Indian community and the country as a whole, of the history, culture and noble contribution that the Indian community continues to make to the country, thus serving to reinforce our national motto, Out of Many, One People”.

This year marks the 171st anniversary since Indians arrived in Jamaica.