25/05/2026
As we celebrate Indian Arrival Day this week, today, we highlight The Honourable Basdeo Panday, who made history in 1995, when he was elected the fifth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago—becoming the first person of Indian descent to serve in this position.
that while in office, Panday advocated for the recognition of Indian Arrival Day, which will be celebrated this Saturday 30th May!
Panday was born on May 25th 1933 in Princes Town. He was an activist, trade unionist, lawyer, economist, actor and more, wearing many hats throughout his career. He passed away on January 1st, 2024.
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This photo shows Former Prime Minister Mr. Basdeo Panday being sworn in as the Acting Prime Minister in the presence of President Noor Hassanali and Attorney General Selwyn Richardson on November 30th, 1987, as Prime Minister A.N.R Robinson left Trinidad to attend a Miami Conference. It is courtesy of the book, "Basdeo Panday: Man in the Middle. A Second Volume of Speeches" by authors Samaroo Siewah and Indira Rampersad-Narinesingh. This book is part of the National Archives of Trinidad & Tobago Reference Collection.
References: Ramdass, Anna. “'Dr Basdeo Panday'.” Trinidad Express Newspapers, 6 Nov. 2019, http://trinidadexpress.com/.../article_c1b2de3e-0091-11ea....
“The Honourable Basdeo Panday, MP.” Trinidad and Tobago Parliament, www.ttparliament.org/members.php?mid=26&pid=9&id=BPA01.
from National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago