First Peoples Leader Calls for Preservation of Piarco Name

Grand Chief Eric Lewis of the First Peoples Sovereign Nations recently reflected on the profound significance of Piarco International Airport. Standing at the airport, Lewis underscored the connection of the name ‘Piarco’ to Indigenous history, specifically linking it to Chief Piarcoma, who once governed these lands. This airport, he argues, is not simply a transit point; it is a living testament to the rich ancestry and heritage of Trinidad and Tobago’s First Peoples.

Lewis emphasized that Piarco represents one of the few surviving acknowledgments of Indigenous history in the region. He warned that considering the removal of such names would risk erasing vital connections to the past and deprive future generations of understanding their cultural identity. As Indigenous communities worldwide increasingly strive to reclaim their narratives, he stressed the importance of recognizing and preserving local heritage through place names and historical acknowledgment.

The Grand Chief’s message resonates with the wider global movement for Indigenous rights, highlighting the urgent need for policymakers in Trinidad and Tobago to support the preservation of names like Piarco, which carry forward the legacy of the First Peoples and honor their lasting contributions to the nation.