The Secretariat for the Implementation of Spanish (SIS) continued with one of its primary objectives which is research into local historic Spanish communities by conducting research into the district of Siparia.

Given the rich Hispanic heritage of this area, the SIS believed that this was definitely an ideal location for the research to be conducted. This project, spearheaded by the SIS Researcher – Dike Noel, started at the end of November 2007.

This research entailed a profound interview with Theresa Noel, a resident of Siparia, who has written extensively on the district of Siparia and the phenomenon of the La Divina Pastora.

Interviews were also conducted with residents from the above mentioned district who possess a Hispanic background. Their responses were recorded and a report will be done subsequently.

Articles will also be published soon on Siparia and La Divina Pastora. Additionally, to show our appreciation to the Spanish community of Siparia and our commitment to this aspect of the SAFFL initiative, the SIS presented bilingual “Welcome/Bienvenido” signs to 10 ‘cornerstone’ institutions.

These were:

• Penal/Quinam Government Primary School
• Clarke Rochard Government Primary School
• St. Christopher’s Anglican Primary School
• Siparia Union Presbyterian School
• Siparia Hindu Primary School
• Siparia Boys’ RC School
• St. Brigid’s Girls’ RC. School
• La Divina Pastora RC Church
• Iere High School
• Siparia Community Centre

The official presentation of these bilingual signs took place on Tuesday, February 19 at the La Divina Pastora RC Church Hall. In attendance were the Member of Parliament for Fyzabad – The Honourable Chandresh Sharma, Councillor of the Siparia Regional Corporation – Ivan St Clair, Alicia Lowkay - Harry (representing Member of Parliament for Siparia, The Honourable Kamla Persad - Bissessar), Siparia Researcher - Theresa Noel, representatives of the organisations receiving bilingual signage, SIS staff and other residents of Siparia.

Councillor of the Siparia Regional Corporation, Ivan St Clair, right, presents bilingual signage to Fr Martin Sirju, manager and a student of Siparia Boys’ RC. School

In the brief programme, opening remarks were given by SIS Communications/Marketing Officer – Nila Ramsingh; Dr Sharon-ann Gopaul-McNicol, SIS Programme Director who updated the attendees on the SAFFL initiative and its progress and the SIS Researcher – Dike Noel who spoke of the importance of research into local historic Spanish communities and bilingual signage.

The feature address was delivered by Siparia Researcher - Theresa Noel and brief remarks were given by Member of Parliament for Fyzabad – The Honourable Chandresh Sharma Ivan St Clair and Alicia Lowkay - Harry.

The district of Siparia is well known for the phenomenon of La Divina Pastora and our very own Parang Queen, Daisy Voisin who made a tremendous contribution to the musical genre of parang.

These aspects form part of our rich multi cultural fabric and the SIS was thrilled to contribute in some way to maintaining its legacy and heritage.