Mr. Saisbhan Jokhan, Curator,
Indian Caribbean Museum of Trinidad and Tobago:
2006 to 2019
In 2005, the late Mr. Saisbhan Jokhan, retired Principal of the Orange Field Hindu Primary school was appointed by the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) as Project Manager to oversee the refurbishment of the old Waterloo Hindu Primary School in preparation for the inaugural opening of the Indian Caribbean Museum of Trinidad and Tobago (ICMTT). He was then appointed and served as Curator of the Museum from May 2006 until January 2019. During his tenure as Curator, Mr. Jokhan successfully undertook the following projects: -
- Developed the artifact collection through acquisition, restoration and preservation.
- Managed the construction and opening of the Dr. Isaiah James Boodhoo Art Gallery.
- Managed the construction and repair of the Tapia House.
- Maintained and enhanced the physical infrastructure of the museum.
- Promoted the museum through outreach programmes and media interviews.
- Hosted dignitaries, special guests and researchers of national, regional and international educational institutions.
- Collaborated with all stakeholders and sponsors toward developing the museum.
- Collaborated with the SDMS and Committee members to host the Appreciation function for donors of artifacts in 2016.
- Assisted in fundraisers such as dinners, book sales and also obtained financial support from well-wishers.
- Organized field trips for committee members and friends of the museum.
- Represented the museum at official meetings such as the SDMS Executive meetings and the Museums Association of the Caribbean conference in Antigua and Barbuda - 2011.
- Organized and facilitated events such as Indian Arrival Day presentations and functions.
Mr. Jokhan was noted by all who interacted with him as a walking encyclopaedia on East Indian History, Indentureship and other social, economic and cultural issues. He will be fondly remembered by the SDMS management, Committee members and visitors for his affable personality, professionalism, hard work and dedication to the ICMTT.
