This page is dedicated to Garifuna-Garinagu Communities worldwide.  The intent is to have a page dedicated to all Garifuna Communities.  I request your assistance to provide content for your Garifuna Community.  I started to create the page for St Vincent Yurumein.  I am almost finished with the Barranco page as well.  I need content for the Seine Bight Page, the Dangriga page, the Hopkins Page, the Honduras page, the Guatemala-Labuga page,  and other Garifuna Communities.  I am in the process of figuring out how to link all these pages.

Kindly click on the link below for the Labuga Livingston page (NEW)

Labuga Guatemala

 Kindly click on the link below for information about Garifuna Culture in Nicaragua (NEW)

Garifuna Culture in Nicaragua

Kindly click on the link below to access the Barranco Village-Belize page Barranco Village-Belize

Kindly click on the link below to access the St Vincent Yurumein page

St Vincent Yurumein

Kindly click on the link below for the Honduras Garifuna page

Honduras Garifuna

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The Civic meeting with Mayor Bloomberg, was the result of the grassroots organizing and community development efforts of so many individuals and organizations over the years, its objective was to discuss issues facing New York City in search for steady and significant social, economic, civic and cultural improvement of the Garifuna community in New York City. Furthermore, it was proof of what the Garifuna people are capable of achieving when we work towards a common objective.

The Garifuna community has been an integral part of New York City’s (particularly the Bronx) way of life for more than 70 years. We have contributed significantly to its economic development while preserving our customs, cultural values and beliefs. The first Garifuna organization was formed in New York City, under the name of Carib American Association, Inc., which was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on July 10, 1946. An estimated 200,000 live in the South Bronx, Brownsville and East New York of Brooklyn, and on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

However, despite many positive contributions to the social and economic fiber of New York City, Garifunas had remained outsiders with no influence on the important political processes of New York City. We had been, in a word, “invisible”. Although Garifunas have been migrating to the United States in search of a better life since the 1930s, the community was virtually obscured in New York City until the Happy Land Social Club fire on March 25th, 1990. The civic meeting proved that the Garifuna Community is no longer invisible in this great multicultural city and that we are engaged in the civic process.

The vitality, talent and commitment of the Garifunas constitute a tremendous resource for our city. Recognizing that Garifunas’ issues are New York’s issues, we stand ready to work as full partners with all segments of New York City’s society to address our current ordeals and fulfill the promise of the future

As Citizens of New York City, Garifunas want a healthy and prosperous city. The travails of our city affect Garifunas as much as other citizens. In turn, the concerns and needs of the Garifuna community bear on all facets the New York society and last night’s meeting was an acknowledgement of that fact.
As part of the grassroots community organizing efforts in New York City, the Garifuna Coalition USA, in partnership with Hondurans Against AIDS, Inc and many other Community Based Garifuna Organizations. have taken the lead to include the Garifuna Immigrant Community into the civic process of New York City by working diligently on the mission to improve the social, economic, civic and cultural conditions of the Garifuna Immigrant Community in New York City and serving as advocates and a united voice.

The information, the ideas and recommendations discussed at the meeting will serve as the basis for a local advocacy agenda and we will update the community on the next steps.

NEW YORK CITY MAYOR BLOOMBERG HOLDS TOWN HALL MEETING WITH THE GARIFUNA COMMUNITY

By: Wellington C. Ramos

         After extensive planning by the Garifuna Coalition U.S.A. there President Jose Francisco Avila and the Hondurenos Contra El Sida President Mrs. Mirtha  Colon, the Garifuna community had the opportunity to meet with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg yesterday July the 14^th, 2010 at Lincoln Hospital Auditorium in the Bronx for a Town Hall Meeting to discuss issues of concern to them. Also at the meeting were the Mayor’s Commissioners for all the various city departments, President of the United Garifuna Association Mr. Alfonso Cayetano  the oldest Garifuna association in New York City that recently reopened their cultural   “Wabatou”  meaning  “our house” at 202-A Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn,  Chairman of the Garifuna Celebration Mass Committee Mrs. Rosita Alvarez, the Counsel for the Honduran Government in New York City and other distinguished guest. The auditorium was packed to capacity and some people had to stand at the back of the auditorium.

          The Garifuna people are a mixture of African and Carib Indian descent that acculturated with each other on the island of Saint Vincent in the early 1600’s. According to history, there was a shipwreck with slaves who were headed to some island in the Caribbean and the slaves swam ashore this neighboring island to save their lives and escape from captivity. They secretly hid in the caves from the Europeans and the native Carib Indians until they were sighted. In the beginning war erupted between these two groups but the Caribs became impressed with these Africans fighting skills and later welcomed them on the island and the acculturation process began.  It is hard to tell which African ethnic group the Garifuna people derived from but there are similarities with the Yoruba. The Carib Indians were in the habit of conducting slave raids from the French and British who occupied other neighboring islands and brought them to their island which increased the acculturation with other African ethnic groups. The language that they speak is a mixture of Carib, African and French. The French were the first Europeans to sight Black people on this island. The French attempted to take this island away by trying to convert them into Christianity  but they resisted and drove the French of the island.

          The British came behind the French and several wars occurred between these two groups until finally on March the 11^th,  1797 they were conquered interned on the island of Baliceaux and subsequently taken as prisoners of war to several islands and the rest  dropped off on the island of Roatan in Honduras on April 12^th, 1797. The Garifuna people hated this island due the lack of fertility of the soil  to grow their food crops and sought permission to occupy other lands along the coastline of Honduras.  In Honduras the Spanish changed their names to Spanish names and they left in mass numbers during the revolutionary wars in the 1800’s  to Nicaragua, Guatemala and Belize where they reside up to this day.  Most of the Garifuna people in the world live in the United States, followed by Honduras then Belize. The word Garifuna is mostly used to describe an individual and  Garinagu for more than one person or group. The British had promised these people that they were going  to take them to a better place not knowing that they were being exiled from their homeland  “Yuremei”.   No matter where they live, they are closely related to each other and maintain ongoing relationship among themselves with their culture intact despite their difficult experiences up to this day. The Garifuna people are; warriors, resilient, autonomous, independent and spiritual. They are always committed to their culture and family and will do anything to preserve their rich culture. Along with their Carib brothers and sisters they fought many wars against the Spanish, French and British to avoid European domination.

          The Welcome address was given by Mrs.  Mirtha Colon She started off by thanking  Mayor Bloomberg for taking the time out to come with his Commissioners to hear out the concerns of her people. She also encouraged her people to take the opportunity to address all the issues that are of major concern to them in the Garifuna community. After her  welcome address, she introduced the President of the Garifuna Coalition U.S.A. Mr. Jose Avila the designated Master of Ceremonies for the event  to introduce the Mayor .   Mayor Bloomberg  stepped to the podium after he was introduced and was welcomed with great applause by the audience. The Mayor thanked the associations for inviting him to the event and he said thank you in the Spanish and Garifuna languages. He joked about his problem learning Spanish and stated that Garifuna would be much more difficult for him to learn. Most Garifuna people speak two to three  languages in addition to their native tongue because of their interactions with people from various cultures in the countries where they  originally came from in Saint Vincent and  Central America.

          Mayor Bloomberg went on by thanking the Garifuna community for playing a vital an integral part in the daily growth of New York City which is known for its richness in cultural diversity. He also spoke about the hard economic times facing the city. However, he reminded the audience that New York City residents are tough and fighting people and if they could have rebounded from the attack of 911, they will be able to recover from this economic crisis we are currently experiencing. He outlined some of the programs that his administration has embarked on to;  create jobs, reduce crime, lower taxes and other areas to make life easier for New York City residents. After his speech the floor was opened for questions and the audience took full advantage of the questioning.

          The questions had to do with issues concerning ; education, housing, immigration, crime, rent, HIV Aids, employment, a cultural center for the Garifuna people through the Mayor ’s office, the declaration of  19^th of November as Garifuna Settlement Day, business assistance, telemarketing and collection harassment from businesses and promises made to the Garifuna community by the Dinkins administration. The Mayor answered most of the questions and for those he had little or no knowledge about, he directed the questions to the Commissioners that dealt with the respective areas. The Mayor pledged that he will do something as soon as he returns to his office to make sure that his administration  puts in motion all the issues that are of concern to the Garifuna community here in New York City.

          The last Town Hall Meeting that was held with the Garifuna community was in 1991 when Mayor Dinkins the first Black Mayor was in office nineteen years ago shortly after the Happyland fire that took many Garinagu people’s lives. The Garifuna community was thankful to Mayor Bloomberg for coming to the meeting and gave him a Garifuna drum as a gift. The Mayor happily played the Garifuna drum and waved the audience goodbye. It is now left to these two associations who sponsored this event, to seek  out all the other Garifuna associations in New York City and work with them hand in hand as brothers and sisters to accomplish all their goals and ensure that the Mayor’s promises are fulfilled.

                    UNITED GARIFUNA ASSOCIATION Inc

                              202 Pennsylvania Avenue

                                    Brooklyn, NY 11207

            Telephone: (718) 210-7841/ (646) 416-3604

                                                                                                        July 1^st, , 2010                                                                      

                                                           PRESS RELEASE

Dear Members/Supporters,

              The Officers and Members of the United Garifuna Association Inc. proudly takes this opportunity to inform the general public that they have moved the Wabatou Cultural Center to their new location situated at 202 Pennsylvania Avenue  between Glenmore and Pitkin Avenue in East New York Brooklyn. Directions: C-Train to Liberty  Avenue and walk two blocks over, Buses: NO’s B-12, B-20 and B-82 to Liberty and Pennsylvania Avenue and walk to 202 Pennsylvania through the Driveway to the building at the back of the property.

            Our Officers, Members and Supporters are currently working diligently to prepare the premises for this  4^th of July Independence Day Weekend. We intend to commence operation at our normal schedule effective this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday From- 6:00 P.M. Until !!!!!!!!. Also, if you are interested in booking the premises for any event,  do not hesitate to call Ms Claudette Ramos at (646) 416-3604 immediately. Please forward this message to all your friends and relatives on your Email list.

Your Friend,

Wellington C. Ramos

Director of Public Relations

Gulisi Community Primary School held their 3^rd Annual Stepping Up Ceremony yesterday afternoon  for 17 kids who will now move on to Infant One.  The Guest speaker was Mrs.  Felicia Nuñez who spoke eloquently to the parents about nurturing their children throughout the rest of their academic careers, while at the same time being friends with them and playing games with them. She urged the parents to speak to them in Garifuna so that they can reinforce what is being taught to them at Gulisi Community Primary School. Mrs. Nuñez also spoke to the fathers to stay close to their children because being a father is not the same as being a dad who is there for their kids all the time.

Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the following people/organizations who have helped to support our school during the past year:

1.      Gov’t of Belize & Min. of Education

2.       National Garifuna Council

3.      Mrs. Felicia Nuñez

4.       Blissfulsage Foundation (U.S.)

5.       Mrs. Raquel Battle (U.S.)

6.      JCS Foundation/R. Singh(U.S.)

7.      Hon. Arthur   Roches

8.      Dangriga Town Council

9.      Dangriga Cablevision

10.  Mr. & Mrs. Pen Cayetano

11.  Peace Corps Belize

12.   Rambo Quality Meats

13.  Arzu Vegetable Stand

14.  Bookbag Santa  (U.S.)

15.   Mr. & Mrs. Eric Lopez,

16.  Hamalali Garinagu NGC Radio 100.1 F.M.

17.   Ms. Rebecca Elijio

18.   S/C Distributors

19.  Delcid   Family (Parents)

20.   John Castillo (Parent)

21.   Ms. Georgette Lambey  (U.S.)

Gulisi Community Primary School was opened in September 2007 with Infants in the Pre-School up to Std. 1. We have added two more classes since then and in September will add Std. 4.  The enrollment presently stands at 134 children from all ethnic groups and hailing from all parts of Dangriga. 

The classroom space has been challenging, with the Pre-school holding classes in a rented building and Std. 3 using a little room in the Gulisi Garifuna Museum. But the Social Investment Fund has initiated talks with the Management since approval has been granted for a 4-classroom building, which they hope to build for us starting early September! We do need to find a room for Std. 4 immediately and we also need to begin thinking of other buildings even when the new classrooms are being built because we cannot continue to stay in the rented building  forever.

The challenges ahead are great but as you look at the pics of our future leaders of tomorrow, we realize that if we don’t prepare for them, then who will?

 Phyllis Cayetano

Manager, Gulisi Community Primary School

Dangriga 

The Bregal Family and the National Garifuna Council   sadly announce  the sudden passing of a great father, son and dynamic promoter of the
Garifuna Culture, Music and Dance, Mr. Moses ‘Roysus’ Bregal Sr.  His sudden demise took place in the early hours of Thursday, June 17^th, leaving the community and the country reeling with shock and pain at the loss of yet another of our cultural icons.

Moses ‘Roysus” Bregal  was instilled with a deep love of his Garifuna Culture by his parents, especially his mother, the late Julietta ‘Look fu yu own’ Bregal, who participated in all Garifuna Rituals and other activities,  including the   Annual Re-enactment of the Arrival of the Garinagu to Central America and Belize.

 Roysus, as he was popularly known,  was a member of the Warigabaga International Dance Group in the 1980’s and  travelled with them to CARIFESTA  in Jamaica and Cuba,   Festival Cervantino in Mexico,   European Music & Dance Festivals in London. Scotland, Austria, Germany in 1992, Belizean  Carnival in Miami, as well as other events in Guatemala and Honduras.

 Because of his love of dance, and his ability to beat the drums as well as sing all genres of Garifuna songs, Roysus was selected by the National Arts Council in the 1980’s  to study choreography in Jamaica under the tutelage of the late, great Rex Nettleford! That month of intense study showed him the possibilities of taking Garifuna Dance to a higher level and he devoted the rest of his life  to working with youths in order to pass on his knowledge, as well as his passion for all  things ‘Garifuna’.    

Roysus was also a musician who beat the snare drum in several bands as well as being a  member of the Forever Band, with which he produced several hit songs, including one called ‘ Kopes, Kolopes’. One of his many favourites was a song called ‘ When I da my boy an gal’ .

Roysus formed the Ilagulei (ROOTS) Dance Group around 1995  and with them he was able to showcase the talents of the young people in music, poetry and dance. He is the author of the Poem ‘ Ayante Adugahatinyu’ which is a reflection of the fisherfolks who bring in the catch for the Dugu Ritual. The  dance he loved to perform  the most was one called ‘Galun’. Around  1995 he composed  the song he is probably most famous for ‘AIDS IS A KILLER’, which he did to draw attention to the AIDS Epidemic!

 In order to ensure that they would have materials to work with, Roysus spent a great deal of time collecting songs and making videos of cultural events  and saving them  in his personal Cultural Library. He was an avid composer and generally preferred traditional music since he felt that there is where the true meaning of Garifunaduau resides.

The Garifuna Community is saddened at the loss of Moses ‘Roysus’  Bregal and extend their deepest sympathy to his wife, Almira, children Dianne, Yvonne, Heston and Moses Jr, his grandchildren  as well as to his sisters, Mrs. Olivia Nunce Miguel, Ms. Syl Bregal, Mrs. Catherine Balthazar and the other members of his extended family, and most especially to his nephew, Mervin ‘Rugged’ Flores  of Hamalali Radio Station!

We continue to lose our great culture bearers and we continue to ask ‘ who will fill their empty shoes?” Roysus has done his part and has moved on to be with the ancestors. May he rest in peace and rise in glory! 

BATTLE OF THE DRUMS SECRETARIAT

PRESS RELEASE

At a brief presentation held at the St. Peter Claver Church on Sunday, June 13, 2010 the Battle of the Drums Secretariat unveiled its plans for the rest of the year 2010. The plan is as follows:

1.       June 12^th – July 3, 2010: Over the weekends during this period, two sets of workshops will be held simultaneously. We will hold Garifuna drumming workshops and Garifuna songs and dance workshops. The target group is primary school age children.  The workshops are being held as part of the culmination of the Drumming in Schools program for school year 2009 – 2010.

2.       July 12^th – July 21^st 2010 – Battle of the Drums Annual Summer Camp: This Summer Camp targets students between the ages of 5 to 16.  The summer camp will comprise lessons in the Garifuna language, Garifuna history, Garifuna implements and symbols, Garifuna spirituality, health and nutrition issues, Garifuna Songs and dance, Garifuna drumming and Garifuna craft.  Deliverables that will emanate from the summer camp are: (1) the making of at least 30 Garifuna “mini”flags, (2) the making of at least 30 sisira; (3) the mastering of at least 10 new garifuna songs and (4) at least 20 new students will be able to play both the Segundo and Primero drums.  The summer camp will culminate with a visit to the Dabuyaba (Garifuna temple) in Barranco where the participants will be awarded certificates of participation and they will also partake in a Mali ceremony and discussions on Garifuna spirituality.

3.       October 8^th – Belize City Elimination Contest for the Battle of the Drums 2010

4.       October 9^th – Dangriga Elimination Contest for the Battle of the Drums 2010

5.       October 15^th – Peini Elimination Contest for the Battle of the Drums 2010

6.       November 7^th – Wanaragua Contest: This Wanaragua Contest is to show case the wanaragua talents that are in Punta Gorda Town and also to chose the Wanaragua who will perform with the Group that will represent Peini in Battle of the Drums 2010.

7.       November 9^th – Awards Night: The Awards Night is a night that is set aside to give recognition to Garifuna individuals who have contributed to our people and culture.  The Awards will be given for contribution to Garifuna Spirituality, Promotion of Garifunaduou in our youths, Promotion of traditional healing, and Contribution to the education of our Garifuna Youths, among others.  Each Award will be named in memory and honour of a deceased who was active in the promotion of our culture.

8.       November 10^th – Garifuna Children’s Talent Show: This Talent Show will showcase the “raw talent” that our children has.  Each presentation has to be done in Garifuna and each participant will receive a prize.

9.       November 11^th – Ms. Yurumein Contest: This Contest provides a forum where our more “matured” Garifuna women can display their creative talent. A Show of this nature provides great entertainment and is generally well received by the audience.

10.   November 12^th – Battle of the Drums 5^th Anniversary Food and Fete:  This event will bring people together from all walks of life to socialize and network.  It will showcase Garifuna Cuisine prepared by executive chefs from prominent resorts and will feature local and international Garifuna musical performers.

11.   November 13^th – BATTLE OF THE DRUMS 2010

12.   November 14^th – Paranda Top 10: This event is held on the Sunset Terrace of Beya Suites.  It is a live radio broadcast that focuses on Paranda Music.

13.   November 15^th – Primary Schools Garifuna Translation Contest:  This Contest has the participation of four (4) primary schools.  It is a contest that tests the participants’ ability to translate different words, phrases and sentences from Standard English to Garifuna.  The preparation for this quiz allows the participants to become familiar with various Garifuna words, phrases and expressions and the students who attend the contest are also afforded the opportunity to learn how to say certain words and phrases in Garifuna.

14.   November 19^th – Yurumein - This event will be organized by the Battle of the Drums Secretariat.

The activities discussed above are financed from proceeds of the Battle of the Drums as well from the fundraising efforts of the Battle of the Drums Secretariat and donations from various donors.

Note: Deadline for submission of application for Battle of the Drums 2010 is July 15, 2010

Free Garifuna class on demand via youtube brought to you by GAHFU, Inc. http://www.garifunaheritagefoundation.com/369.html

Garifuna Language Class on youtube search 

Name of our Garifuna brothers that are members of the Honduras National Team that will be participating in this World Cup South Africa 2010 lets big up and support our Garifuna brothers.

1.     Edgar Alvarez

2.     Osman Chavez

3.     Oscar Garcia

4.     Maynor Figueroa Rochez

5.     Pery Martinez

6.     Erick Noralez

7.     Johnny Palacios

8.     Carlos Palacios

9.     Wilson Palacios

10.                        Hendry Thomas

11.                        Oscar Suazo

New York Is the Epicenter of the Garifuna Culture  By Jose Francisco Avila

During a recent visit to Honduras, I attended the Afrodescendant Women Forum in Tegucigalpa, where  I had a conversation with various Garinagu  where someone commented "It would be nice if we could hold events like these, more often, instead of just in April. To which I answered, in New York City, you can attend a Garifuna event just about every week, which really surprised them.  I continued, as a matter of fact I will dare to say that New York has become the epicenter of the Garifuna Culture! That really blew their mind! I am certain that someone will disagree, therefore, let me share some factual evidence.
 
The First Intercontinental Garifuna Summit Meeting
 
In 1991, I along with other Garifuna activists organized the First Garifuna Summit Meeting which was celebrated in New York City on. The Theme for this meeting was “Uwala Busiganu, Garinagu Wagia”, (Don’t Be Ashamed, We Are Garifuna). We also chose the slogan “Garinagu’s Path to the 21st Century”. The purpose of the meeting was to adopt a bold and decisive challenge to seriously and collectively begin to focus on our Garifuna culture, and to mobilize all Garinagu to seek meaningful solutions to our varied problems.  The First Garifuna Summit Meeting served as a catalyst for many important accomplishments in the Global Garifuna Community. It is recognized as the beginning of the modern day Garifuna (Afro descendants) movement in the United States and Central America.  It became the grassroots movement that organized the Commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Garifunas to Honduras on April 12th, 1997 (The Garifuna Bicentennial). 
 
That same grass roots movement organized the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. in 1998 to build a powerful progressive coalition that brought together all Garifuna organizations to work together on unifying issues and begin to forge a common progressive vision, obviously, we understood    “That a viable organization can only be achieved if a broadly based indigenous leadership — and not one or two charismatic leaders — can knit together the diverse interests of their local institutions.”[1]  It is this understanding that made it possible for the Garifuna Coalition to successfully petitioned the various New York branches of government, giving New York  the honor of proclaiming the First Garifuna Heritage Month in the World!  As part of the celebrations it also hosted the first ever Garifuna Heritage Awards, as well as the Third Annual Joseph Chatoyer Memorial Mass, Garifuna Day and the Miss Garifuna Cultural Pageant. 
 
In addition, New York is home to two Garifuna language teaching centers where according to the New York Times “Speakers of Garifuna, which is being displaced in Central America by Spanish and English, are striving to keep it alive in their New York neighborhoods. Regular classes have sprouted at the Yurumein House Cultural Center in the Bronx, and also in Brooklyn, where James Lovell, a public school music teacher, leads a small Garifuna class at the Biko Transformation Center in East Bushwick. Today, Garifuna is virtually as common in the Bronx and in Brooklyn as in Honduras and Belize.”[2] The preservation of the Garifuna language through language revitalization, lexical expansion programs and the promotion of teaching, learning and practicing is s one of the objectives of  the  UNESCO’s Proclamation of the Gariifuna Language, Music and Dance as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
 
Promoting regional Garifuna festivals with a view to confronting the erosion of the Garifuna culture in the heart of modern day communities is another objective of the proclamation. Therfore, in celebration of its ninth anniversary, the Chief Joseph Chatoyer, Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of New York participated in the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, May 16 and on May 23,  “A splash of color and the toe-tapping/hip-swaying sounds greeted parade goers as the Hamalali Wayunagu Folkloric Garifuna Dance Company of New York strutted in the 2010 Bronx Week Parade.[3] On May 29th, Casa Yurumein presented a Tribute to 90 year old Garifuna Musician Marcelino “Don Marasa” Fernandez, whom according to Roy Cayetano is “Yet another of our legends and unsung great ones”. [4]
 
During the month of June as we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month,   the Hamalali Wayunagu (Voices of our Ancestors) Garifuna Folkloric and Modern Dance Company will represent the Garifuna Heritage in the Caribbean American Heritage Month at  the New York City Council Ceremony on June 10th, celebrating the heritage of the region's peoples and our continuing contributions to the evolving story of this City and Country. On June 12th the Garifuna Pastoral of Our Lady of Mercy Church will celebrate its annual Garifuna Thanksgiving Mass in Brooklyn; on that same date,  members of the Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition, Inc., will participate in a Consultation on St. Vincent and the Grenadines Draft Diaspora Policy, sponsored by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consulate General in New York and The SVG Diaspora Committee of New York, to share our views and suggestions for improving relations between the Garifuna Diaspora and the Ancestral Home of the Garifuna People! The Garifuna Catholic Community Assembly Committee will hold its third Garifuna Catholic Assembly “Garifuna Spirituality in an acculturated world” on June 19th. On June 24, I will present a lecture on Garifuna History at Monroe College, where Miss Luz Soliz, Hamalali Wayunagu's Director and Choreographer  is teaching a Caribbean Dance class based on the Garifuna Music and Dance. As descendants from Africans in mainland St. Vincent, who intermarried with the Caribs and Arawaks, the Garifunas or Black Caribs, are part of the unique cultures and melting pot of ethnicities that have their roots in the Caribbean.  Can I hear an “Itarala!” (Amen).
 
All of the above activities are an integral part of the “Garinagu Wagia” (We are Garifunas) campaign, which has the  nurturing and promotion of Garifuna pride at the center of its community organizing initiative and in creating awareness and appreciation of the Garifuna culture and its contribution to the culture and society of New York. The strategy is to plan, organize and execute a series of activities to promote the Garifuna Community in New York City, “The Capital of the World”. It was this organizing initiative that led to the development of the first ever  Garifuna Census 2010 campaign to make sure that Garinagu are counted in the United States.
 
According to Mayor Michael Bloomberg "Our city has always led the nation - not just in celebrating holidays, but in pioneering the most innovative and ambitious new ideas. In so many areas, whatever happens happens here first. New York is, as Mayor Koch once famously said, 'where the future comes to audition.” [5]
 
Therefore, having pioneered the proclamation of  the first Garifuna Heritage Month in the world in New York,  the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. is organizing an ad-hoc committee with Garifuna Organizations around the nation, to petition the U.S. Congress to establish March 11th - April 12th, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the United States of America, in observance of the  anniversary of the exile of the Garifuna people from St Vincent on March 11th, 1797 and their settlement in Central America on April 12th, 1797.
 
As the evidence presented above proves, New York has become the epicenter of the Garifuna Culture and it is our hope that as the New York Garifunas have pioneered the nurturing and promotion of Garifuna pride at the center of their community organizing initiative and in creating awareness and appreciation of the Garifuna culture, Garifunas around the world will replicate our example.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[1] Obama, Barack, Why Organize? Problems and promise in the inner city, Illinois Issues, 1988
[2] Roberts, Sam Listening to (and Saving) the World’s Languages. The New York Times, April 28, 2010
[3] http://www.beinggarifuna.wordpress/
[4] http://www.beinggarifuna.wordpress/
[5]http://www.nyc.gov/cgi-bin/misc/pfprinter.cgi?action=print&sitename=OM&p=1275236824000
 
 
  
 
 
Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision
 Garinagu Wagia!
 
 
391 East 149 St, Ste 215 | Bronx, New York 10455 US 
 

Hello, a quick note - we've returned to Los Angeles from Triunfo de la Cruz,
Honduras with great material; we were blessed to have great talent
participating there, just like we did here in Los Angeles.  Here are the
latest images:
http://www.garifunafilmtrilogy.com/2010/05/filming-in-triunfo-ensanada/

What's next?  We are 95% done shooting for part 1 and just have a few
things to pickup; and will be calling in a few actors to finish this up
during the month of June (namely, some extra footage with Ricardo's family
is needed).  I'll have a schedule together as soon as I get the editing team
launched and then I can turn my attention back to the remaining shooting.
We hope to overdub the sound for the theater play in August. 

The speed with which we finish depends on the post-production talent we are
able to bring on board in the video editing and translation departments.  We
have some great people already and I'm soon contacting some others whom we
have high regard for, in order to ascertain their availability.    We're
also still pursuing additional funding (45% ownership stake is still
available; $400=0.13%) and volunteers who want education, experience and
credit on this endeavor.  Our personnel needs are listed here:
http://www.garifunafilmtrilogy.com/crew/. 

We have been blessed with many unique elements and stellar talent who have
invested their energy in this project, and the combination of it all is
unprecedented.  I feel honored to be involved with all of you.

Ali Allie
(310) 954-7137
2010@cinemali.com

Extracts from

Un flibustier français dans la mer des Antilles (1618-1620)

manuscript introduced by Jean-Pierre Moreau, Seghers 1990

Translated literally by Alan Ringer, revised by Georgia Lumbreras.

Linguistic notes: Sybille de Pury

Description of SOME natives OF the indies

The dwelling place of these natives of the Indies, called Caribs or Balouy, is located between the second parallel after the equator stretching to the tropic of Cancer, or, to make it easier, between the two parallels lying between the equator and our tropic, around 313 or 314 degrees of longitude and of latitude about from the 12th to the 16th or 17th. . That is how they are marked on maritime maps. They are called Dominica, Martinico, Santa Lucia, Marglianto. They are also two other groups called Guardeloupe and Saint-Vincent, which I will not mention at all, although they are inhabited by the same natives who call them in their own language : la Dominica Holotobouli, la Martinica Joannicaira, Santa Lucia or Sainte-Allouzie Joannalau, Marigliana or Cotton land Aulinagan, la Guardeloupe Caroucaira, Saint-Vincent Joalamarqua. There is also la Grenade, that they call Carnar, Saint-Christophe Jomaricca and Montserrat Ariogan. The climate is very hot there during the day and very cool at night, which makes the air very healthy. Dawn and dusk are sudden with very little twilight. At noon the sun is so hot that it is necessary to quit work and look for some shade, it is then impossible to walk on the rocks and sand along the shore. In all seasons the trees are green and there is only one season and no winter. 

If you would like the rest click on the link below.

 extracts from pirate's manuscript 1618-1620.doc

The traditions of the Garifuna people originated from descendants of African slaves rescued from Saint Vincent where they were exiled in the 17th century for fighting English and French domination. Communities in Belize, and on the coasts of Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua share a unique Garifuna culture. An estimated population of 11,500 live in 10 communities on the Atlantic coast and continue to speak the language - black Carib, which blends elements of the language spoken by the former inhabitants of Saint Vincent with African elements. Music and dance are central and vibrant aspects of the Garifuna communities. Traditional instruments including drums, maracas, guitars and turtle shells are used for religious and secular occasions.

Threats:  Garifuna as a mother tongue is only taught in one Belizean village. Virtually no documentation of the language exists. The survival of the Garifuna culture is threatened by the lack of economic prospects, urbanization, discriminatory land measures, and the school system's failure to acknowledge the language and culture.  Migration, discrimination, and lack of government and financial support are other factors.

Action plan: The Language Policy Statement of the Garifuna Nation, adopted in 1977, seeks to secure recognition of the language and culture by the governments of Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Policies are aimed at documenting and developing the language. The Garifuna action plan seeks to address concerns of the Garifuna Nation through activities relating to land, education, language and culture, health care and other social issues and support for community and economic development.

Garifuna Profiles

Andy Palacio

Palacio was born and raised in the coastal village of Barranco and worked briefly as a teacher before turning to music. He sang mainly in Garifuna, an Arawakan language with a large number of words borrowed from Carib, French, and Spanish, but also composed English-only songs. He was the first musical artist from Belize to have a music video on international television. He received the award for "Best New Artist" at the Caribbean Music Awards in 1991, and was post-humously awarded the BBC3 Awards for World Music award in the Americas Category, in 2008.

Paul Nabor

Paul Nabor is the greatest living Paranda artist. He is not only considered a musical legend among the Garifuna, he is also the “Buyei” (religious leader of his community). Sadly, he is also the last living Parandero in Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda (locals call it PG) is a small coastal village in southern Belize.

With mountains to the west, and the Caribbean sea to the east, there is only one dirt road to PG: A long bumpy 5 hour drive from the center of the country. At 70, Nabor still spends many of his days at sea fishing, evenings playing his guitar, all while working as spiritual leader for his community. He often talks about how life has changed for the Garifuna. “Growing up, we got all we needed from the earth. We fished, we farmed. We picked coconuts, made our own instruments. Occasionally we’d trade for new clothes. That was it. After the introduction of ‘money’ things changed. People now feel that they need ‘more and more stuff, things’. More and more Garifuna keep moving to the cities where they are unhappy since they’ve lost touch with the land.”

Paul Nabor is no longer in good health, though he continues to work a full schedule of fishing, playing guitar, and leading his congregation. Nabor wrote the moving, “Naguya Nei” when his sister was on her deathbed. She had asked to be remembered in song at her funeral. The song has become almost an anthem in Punta Gorda. Nabor has expressed that he would like the funeral procession to sing this song at his burial as well.

Pen Cayetano

Pen Cayetano was born 1954 in Dangriga in the southern part of Belize - former British Honduras. He is a self-taught painter & musician. As early as in Primary school he showed interest in art & music. Growing up he studied the culture of the Garifuna and the Creole.

He was painting and doing music at Pen's Art Studio at 5 Moho Road in Dangriga, until he moved in 1987 in his new Studio at 74 St. Vincentstreet. His favourite medium is oil on canvas.
Cayetano met and studied with fellow artist Benjamin Nicholas and Master Drummer Isabel Flores both Garifuna. They did several exhibitions and musical shows together.

In 1981 Pen Cayetano created the Punta Rock which is a combination of cultural Garifuna music with elements of the modern Rock music. Together with his musical group " The Turtle Shell Band" he performed all over Belize and in Mexico, Honduras , Guatemala and the USA . Nowadays the Punta Rock is Belize's number one music and performed by different bands.

As an Ambassador of Art & Music Pen Cayetano did also many exhibitions in the USA and finally in 1990 he moved his studio to Ahrhutstraße 8 in Ahrweiler , Germany , where he lives with his family.
In Germany he became a member of the ARE - Gilde, a forty year art league. He is also a member of the GEMA and Bildkunst. Cayetano continues to portray the Garifuna culture and paints also landscape of his new adopted home in Germany. His paintings were shown in several exhibitions in Germany, Hong Kong, Austria, Switzerland, England and the USA. At least once a year he travels to Belize to present his new Art & Music.

Joseph Chatoyer

In 1795, with the country under the governership of James Seton, the Caribs began the two years of attack known as the Second Carib War. With the aid of French rebels from Martinique, the Caribs plotted the removal of the British. Chatoyer and
DuValle (the two main Carib chiefs) planned that Chatoyer would lead the rebellion on the Leeward side and DuValle would lead on the Windward side. News came to Kingstown on March 8th thatwar had broken out.

Chatoyer directed his fury at the settlers themselves rather than destroying their property. His belief was that the land would be extremely useful to the Caribs after  the removal of the British. He worked his way along the Leeward, joined in battle
by the French at Chateaublair, to unite with DuValle at Dorsetshire Hill. The amalgamated forces then set their sights on Kingstown. A battalion of British soldiers from recently arrived warships marched towards Dorsetshire Hill on March 14th. On this night, Chatoyerwas killed by Major Alexander Leith. Considered a hero to the nation, a monument in Chatoyer’s honour
is placed at Dorsetshire Hill. Battles raged throughout St. Vincent overthe nextyear with both sides bearing heavy losses. The final battle took place at Vigie on June 10th, 1796. After a night of arduous fighting the Caribs approach the British with a
truce flag.

Submission terms were negotiatead and during the next four months over 5,000 Caribs surrendered. The Caribs were exiled to the neighbouring island of Balliceaux and in February 1797, the defeated Caribs were loaded onto a convoy of eight
vessels and transported to the coast of Honduras. The few remaining Caribs scattered to the north of the island nearSandy Bay where their descendants can still be found.

The most recent development in this quest for reclaiming identity and reconstructing their history took place on March 14, 2002 when the Great Carib (Garifuna) Chief, Chatoyer, was declared first National Hero of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, and the day made a national holiday. Chatoyer, who is also revered bythe Garifuna people in Central America, was Paramount Chief at a very critical period in the struggle to retain the independence of St. Vincent and to preserve the
lands on which his people lived. He died in 1795 during the battle that led to the final defeat of the Caribs. The recognition of the importance of the Carib Chief to the life and struggles of his people has long been recognized. The British have
established a monument in a prominent place in the Anglican Cathedral to their Major Leith who, it was alleged, had killed Chatoyer in a duel. The account of his death given by the British has been disputed, and is believed to have been part of
efforts at psychological warfare

Chatoyer was also immortalized in a play, the “Drama of King Shotaway” , that was performed in NewYork in 1823, twenty-eight years after his death. The play was written by Mr. Browne, whose first name is unknown. It is believed that he was a Garifuna member who had experienced the battle of 1795 in which Chatoyer was killed. Mr. Browne is regarded as the Father of BlackTheatre in the United States of America and this play is said to be the first about a black person.

The recognition given on March 14 to this leading figure in the history of the Garifuna/Black Carib people will undoubtedly focus attention on his and his people’s contribution to the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They had held the might of Europe at bay for centuries, St. Vincent being among the last of the Caribbean countries to be colonized. It will also contribute to restoring the confidence and reconstructing the identity of a people who had been victims of a colonial past and who have had over the years to face the accusation of being cannibals that had been widely propagated in colonial history.

The Black Carib/Garifuna population in St. Vincentthat remained following the exile, had for long lived on the margin of society, many of them in communities that had been devastated by volcanic eruptions in 1812 and 1902 and had, to all intents and
purposes, been cut off from mainstream Vincentian life. A lot has changed over the years, a result of political developments and the growing consciousness of the people. The reconnection of the people, among other things, will help in the
reclaiming of their history, identity and pride; and in reconstructing and restoring their central place in the eady history and development of St. Vincent, or Yuremi as it is known in Garifuna language

The history, artifacts and other symbols of the Black Caribs (Garifuna people) are essential parts of the history and culture of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Many of the forts and places where the different encounters took place, remain and tell their
own story, among them the cannons at Fort Charlotte that point inland. Beside the information they provide to the Vincentian people, they also add to the rich heritage and cultural-tourism infrastructure. Sections of the Central American Garifuna
community are developing a case for reparations and are seeking ‘symbolic’ citizenship of this country. The story of the Garifuna people is a unique one that needs to be told, since among other things, it is pivotal to understanding their
position in Central America and also the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and indeed the rest of the Caribbean region in which St. Vincent was one of the last outposts of Carib resistance.

Greg Palacio

Ulmar "GREG" Palacio has a brush with purpose. Born in Belize, Central America, on November 17, 1962, and raised in Dangriga, Bze., he is the fourth of nine children to Rita and Clifford Palacio. "Greg P," as he was referred to from youth, always showed interest in art. At an early age, while attending Sacred Heart School, he was chosen to go from classroom to classroom to draw colorful Christmas themes on blackboards.

When Ulmar migrated to the United States and attended Loren Miller Elementary School in Los Angeles, California, his artistic ability was recognized by his 6th grade teacher and was nutured ever since.
Greg's paintings are visually vibrant. Working in various mediums, he incorporates the spirituality and rhythms of his indigenous Garifuna heritage, which is truly sensational.

In 1990, Palacio entered a North, Central, and South American art contest held in Hollywood, California. His painting depicting a ceremonial dance from his culture called "DÜGÜ" took first place. That tremendous acknowledgement ignited his career. Although this early success didn't have major curators or art collectors knocking at his door, the little money Greg received has been well invested. Presently, Ulmar does commission work when time permits. Since 1992, he has done several art shows throughout the U.S. and in Belize.

In addition, G.P. is a member of a local culture band, named "Libaya Baba." He is also active in the production of Belizean music. Greg has designed and painted album covers for musicians such as: Ugrou's "Wagiya Ya," Cross Culture's "Wata Hole," Pupa Curly's "Sweet Belizean Girl," legendary Mohobub Flores' "Roots & Culture," the remake by pioneer Bill Cayetano's "Reggae Nuwani," and a new Paranda album by newcomer Len Cayetano, just to mention a few.

Anigu,

Battle of the Drums Competition and Show has been selected as one of four semi-finalists for the BTB cultural award 2010. To win the award, friends and supporters of the initiative need to vote.  Kindly visit the link below so that you can vote. 

http://www.travelbelize.org/awardsvote/

I am attaching our concept note so that all can be aware of the work we have been doing to support the work of the NGC and keep our culture alive.  I believe that through recognition like these we can obtain more support for the preservation of our culture. 

Please visit the site listed above and cast your votes.

Seremein,

Darius AvilaBattle of the Drums Concept Note.docx

Georgetown Day “May 13, 2010

This year will be bigger and better than ever!!! Come on out to our Georgetown Day fair for two days of fun and excitement,

                                Saturday 15^th & 16^th May, 2010

All day extravaganza includes……A female football marathon on Saturday and Male football marathon on Sunday

·       Nuff variety of Cultural food with ice cold soft and not so soft drinks                                                 

There will be enough games for children to enjoy themselves too.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

·        We will have many, many contest such as. Beer drinking, Punta rock, coconut husking, watermelon eating, soda biscuit contest and a whole lot more.

·        Entertainment includes: World Renown “Hamalali Isanigu Dance Group” Performance, and Request

·        Live music by the best in G.T. Boys Band along side Godfrey “Tousand” Martinez, Adrian “D-Doc” Martinez, “Mckoy” and the General Himself “Supa-G”  followed by a grand dance at G.T Culture Center

It’s all happening at Georgetown Village Football Field, Saturday, 15^th May, 2010 from 9:00 am until!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    

                                   C  U  THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   

Program leading towards Georgetown Day

May 13^th, 2010

For the Villagers Only and those who would reach out

1.      Mass/Service --------------------------- Rev. Dominique

2.      National Anthem----------------------- Standard 3 & 4

3.      Welcome------------------------------- Chairperson (Mr. Domingo Valerio)

4.      Item -----------------------Richard Quinn Students-- Std

5.      Keynote Speaker/address------------ Hon Melvin Hulse ( Haven’t Contacted him)

6.      Item------------------------------------- Women’s Group

7.      History of Georgetown-------------- Mr. Marcelino Martinez

8.      Honoring Pioneers -------Vice Chairman (Mr. Daniel Arzu)

- Brief Background info

9.      Vote of Thanks--------------- Secretary (M. Trevis Castillo)

________________________________________________________________________

May 15^th---------------------------All day Fair and Female Football Marathon

               ----------------------------Lots of fun for young and old

              ---------------------------- Food and drinks for sale at a reasonable price

 Dance the Night Away with Georgetown Boys and the Georgetown Artists: (Mckoy, Adrian “D- Doc, Martinez, Godfrey “Tousand” Martinez, and the General himself “Supa G”).

Contest

Registration fee: $5.00

-         Punta Rock

-         Beer drinking

-         Coconut Husking

-         Soda Biscuit

-         Watermelon eating

Games

-         jump house

-         Cake bidding

-         How Now Game

Food

-         Darasa

-         Bundiga

-         Hudut

-         Sahou (porridge)

-         Boil-Up

Others

-         Rice & Beans, Chicken and Cold-slau

-         Bar-B-Que

________________________________________________________________________

May 16^th -------------------- Male football Marathon

                 ------------------- Music by Dale’s Box

                 ------------------ Lots of Food and Drinks (Soft and not so soft)

For more information call 663-6914 or 603-4507 or 509-3058

Pagan parte de la deuda y Teodoro Palacios logra salir de hospital

Teodoro Palacios Flores, leyenda del atletismo guatemalteco, es atendido por su esposa, Hortencia. ANTONIO IXCOT

POR PRENSA LIBRE.COM CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA

La crisis económica que enfrenta una de las leyendas del atletismo nacional es evidente. Un seguro médico no cubrió la totalidad de los gastos médicos y quedó la deuda de 3 mil 200 quetzales, lo cual le impedía salir de nosocomio y regresar a su casa para terminar su recuperación.

Según la radio Emisoras Unidas, un ciudadano se presentó sin ánimos de alarde y sin dar a conocer su nombre canceló parte del saldo para lograr que el atleta saliera en compañía de su esposa.

La gloria nacional sufrió una descompensación de azúcar en la sangre, que lo ha mantenido hospitalizado en la última semana.

Con voz débil y pausada el veterano atleta dio declaraciones a la radio Emisoras Unidas desde la habitación 104 de dicho hospital donde se encuentra recluido.

El nombre de Teodoro Palacios Flores está inmortalizado en el gimnasio nacional, en la zona 5, y su marca de 2.10 metros en el salto altura ha permanecido como récord del país desde 1960.

Junto a esto, tres medallas de oro (Caracas 1959, Kingston 1962 y San Juan 1966) y una de plata (Panamá 1970) en Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe; otra de plata (Sao Paulo 1963) en Juegos Panamericanos y una de oro en un Campeonato Iberoamericano (1960) han hecho de este izabalense una auténtica leyenda viviente.

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Listening to (and Saving) the World’s Languages

James Estrin/The New York Times

Valnea Smilovic, 59, left, with her mother, 92, in Queens. They still speak Vlashki, a language spoken by the Istrians.

By SAM ROBERTS

Published: April 28, 2010

Related

• City Room: Land of Lonely Tongues (April 28, 2010)

James Estrin/The New York Times

Husni Husain, 67, says he doesn’t know of any other person in New York who speaks Mamuju, an Austronesian language.

Internship Leads to  

Beverley Nunez working at the Health Services Authority.

Photo: Submitted

A Caymanian graduate has returned home to take up a position as a forensic scientist at the Cayman Islands Hospital.

Beverley Nunez, a graduate of St. Ignatius High School in Cayman, had originally planned to become a doctor, but after working as a summer student in the Forensic Laboratory at the Health Services Authority, she realised she wanted to have a career as a forensic scientist.

She attended Kingston University and King’s College in London where she received an honours bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in science, specialising in forensic science, investigative analysis, and drug monitoring. 

While at university, she also completed a research project on the development of a Multiplex Real Time quantitative PCR Assay for assessing the quantity and quality of nuclear DNA in forensic samples. In layman’s terms, that is developing a method to help make sure DNA evidence collected from a crime scene will hold up in court to ensure criminals can be successfully prosecuted.

Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the Health Services Authority, said: “All of us at HSA are very proud of what Ms Nunez has accomplished and welcome her back to the team.  It is always rewarding when our summer intern programme, or other youth outreach programmes, encourage a young Caymanian to consider healthcare as a career and motivate them to pursue higher learning to achieve that career.”

She added: “Individuals like Beverley seize upon those opportunities, constantly learning and asking questions of more experienced staff, and through hard work and determination obtaining the professional qualifications necessary to achieve their goals.  We hope that many more young Caymanians look at Beverley as a role model for success in whatever career they choose – and of course we hope many will choose medicine.”

Ms Nunez said she knew forensic science was the “right path” for her after watching scientists at work in the forensics laboratory during her internship.

“In my experience, if you are hardworking and curious, there are always people around you who are willing to share their knowledge and experience to help you pursue your goals.

“You just have to show the initiative. The hard work is well worth it as it helps you obtain a career that you will enjoy,” she said.

Since taking up her new role, she has been assisting police during autopsies to package evidence and working on interesting projects. 

Book Profiling Honduran Garifuna Teachers And Their Influence on The Honduran Educational System Released

April 7, 2010 · Leave a Comment

BOOK COVER - Maestras Garifunas Pioneras Trujillanas Y Sus Aportes A La Educacion En Honduras

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Copyright 2010 by Teofilo “Tio Teo” Colon Jr.   All rights reserved.

On Saturday, March 20th, 2010 there was a presentation by Teacher Sara Doris Sambula Mejia on her book, “Pioneering Trujillian Garifuna Teachers and Their Contribution to Education in Honduras.”  (Otherwise known as “Maestras Garifunas Pioneras Trujillanas y Sus Aportes A La Educacion En Honduras)

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The event/book launch took place at the offices of Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc, a non-profit Garifuna Advocacy group. There was a similar presentation at the Casa Yurumein in the Bronx on Sunday, March 21, 2010.   Both of these events were in honor of Garifuna Heritage Month in New York City.

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The book profiles 24 Garifuna Teachers from the town of Trujillo, Honduras and chronicles their various contributions to the educational system there.  The author, Sara Doris Sambula Mejia is herself a teacher and hopes that with her book, future generations of Garinagu, Honduran citizens/countrymen and people throughout the world can finally learn about the Garifuna teachers who have contributed significantly to the academic training of women and men who have excelled in Honduran society.

Sara Doris Sambula Mejia also wants to make sure people know of the challenges and obstacles Garifuna teachers have overcome during the study and practice of their teaching careers.  This is vitally important since for various reasons, the contributions of these pillars of the Garifuna community to the educational system have been ignored.

Why the focus on Trujillo, Honduras?  According to the author, Sara Doris Sambula Mejia, Trujillo Honduras was the first point on the mainland of Honduras when Garinagu arrived after being exiled to Roatan in 1797.  It’s the first port of entry and is also the first epicenter for the arts, culture, and education in the country of Honduras.

The teachers chronicled in the book are:

Guillerma Martinez Soliz

Ines Martinez Soliz

Juana Margarita Martinez Soliz

Esmeralda Judith Avila Martinez

Ana Elias Alvarez Sanchez

Justa Rufina Gil Chimilio

Eucebia Norales Gotay

Maria Eda Franzua Blanco

Elba Martinez Perez

Zoe Teresa Laboriel Gil

Norberta Artenia Martinez Dolmo

Alba Susana Arzu Avila

Marta Azucena Garcia Martinez

Valentina Arzu Dolmo

Maria Antonieta Sabio Cacho

Rosinda Sabio Cacho

Florinda Sabio Cacho

Angela Irnalina Gonzalez Oliva

Raquel Pastora Arzu Martinez

Hilda Candida Gonzalez Garcia

Yolanda Lopez Garcia

Eulogia Berta Benedith Nunez

Justa Marta David Martinez

Sara Doris Sambula Mejia (author)

The price of the book is $10 and is 121 pages long.  The book is available through the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc and they can be reached at: (718) 402-7700.  The book is currently ONLY available in Spanish (the introduction is in Garifuna).

-Tio Teo

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Categories: Garifuna NEWS 
Tagged: Alba Susana Arze Avila, Ana Elias Alvarez Sanchez, Angela Irnalina Gonzalez Oliva, Elba Martinez Perez, Esmeralda Judith Avila Martinez, Eucebia Norales Gotay, Eulogia Berta Benedith Nunez, Florinda Sabio Cacho, Garifuna Educators, Garifuna Teachers, Garinagu Teachers, Guillerma Martinez Soliz,Hilda Candida Gonzalez Garcia, Honduran Garifuna Teachers, Ines Martinez Soliz,Juana Margarita Martinez Soliz, Justa Marta David Martinez, Justa Rufina Gil Chimilio, Maestras Garifunas Pioneras Trujillanas y sus Aportes a la Educacion en Honduras, Maria Antonieta Sabio Cacho, Maria Eda Franzua Blanco, Marta Azucena Garcia Martinez, Norberta Artenia Martinez Dolmo, Raquel Pastora Arzu Martinez, Rosinda Sabio Cacho, Sara Doris Sambula Mejia, Trujillo Honduras,Valentina Arzu Dolmo, Yolanda Lopez Garcia, Zoe Teresa Laboriel Gil

     www.garifunaheritagefoundation.org

April 5^th, 2010

To: All Students, Teachers, Staff & Board of Directors

From: Cheryl L. Noralez, President

           Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc.

           533 East 16^th St.

           Long Beah, CA 90813

           (562) 366-9396

RE: Session II

Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc. the staff, the board of directors and our teachers are proud to announce the start of Session II this Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 10:00am.   Session I came to an end on Saturday, March 20^th, 2010 with over 30 students participating. 

We would like to congratulate the first graduating class of Session One 2010.  We would also like to invite you to come back to class and continue to pursue your goal of learning Garifuna culture, language, drumming, singing the Garifunaduaü (Garifuna way).

This project is being made possible in part by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and the help of the Garifuna community of Los Angeles and the knowledge and dedication of our teachers like Arufudahatu Jessie Nunez, Arufudahati Ruben Reyes and Mingo Alvarez.

Session II will run from Saturday, April 10 through May 29, 2010.  Darime Samudi binafin.

Seremein;

Cheryl L. Noralez

Barranco Summer Craft Programme

I am pleased to announce the schedule of classes that will be offered this summer to Barranco children. This year there will be four classes offered. All classes will run from Monday to Friday beginning at either 9:00AM or 2:00PM and ending at either 11:00AM or 4:00PM. There will be no charge for classes. All materials and tools  will be supplied by the teachers.

Please fill out and return form on or by the 12th of April to be considered for enrollment. Student enrollment is limited. If the number of students is higher than the maximum enrollment for a class, the students will be chosen by lots. Class members will be told if they are in a class by April 18^th.

The classes are to expose to the children different ideas and skills, learning to follow instructions and complete tasks set for them. And, above all, the classes are offered so the children can enjoy themselves. This is not a competive situation but a place to challenge oneself and  expand ones understanding of things around them

Girl Empowerment through Bench Building

This class is for girls only to expose the students to basic carpentry skills. Students will learn to use hand tools and pwer tools to build a bench that will be donated to the school to be used on the school veranda. This class will be taught by Miss Dawn and has a limit of 8 students. This class will be offered from the 16th of August through the 20^th of August. The class will be in the forenoon from 9:00AM to 11:00AM. This class is open to girls from the age of 7 through 16.

Cooking for Small Children

This class is for young boys and girls and will introduce them to basic skills in cooking. Broiling, baking, poaching, simmering, folding, frying and other cooking skills will be consider while creating great food. Emphasis will be placed on foods and skills that should be new to the students. This class has a limit of 4 students This class will be offered from the 9^th of August through the 13^th of August. The class will be in the forenoon from 9:00AM to 11:00AM. This classes is open to students who have completed Infant 1 and have not completed Standard 2.

Cooking for High School Students

This class is for young men and young woman . This class will emphasis foods from various different cultures and the different skills required to prepare them. What this class does will be driven by the interests of the students. Try new things expand ones awareness. This class has a limit of 4 studentsThis class will be offered from the 16th of August through the 20^th of August. The class will be in the evening from 2:00PM to 4:00PM. This class is open to students who are in high school or other secondary school.

Basket Making

This class is for boys and girls. This will introduce children to basic basketry skills. Student will complete several baskets during the week. Weaving and twining will be some of the skills learned. This class has a limit of 8 students. This class will be offered from the 16^th of August through the 20^th of August. The class will be in forenoon from 9:00AM to 11:00AM. This class is open to students who are in standard 4 or higher.

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This form must be completed and returned to Carlson by the 12^th of April. No application will be accepted after that date.

Name of student                                                                    ____________                 

Age of student             

Class they wish to apply to enroll                                                                                    

Second class they wish to enroll                                                                                       

Student Signature ______________________________________________________

  Garifuna Bicentennial Reunion showing Dance  

bou laruga / til da mawning

All are invited

The venue will be announced later

Bronx, New York - New Horizon Investment Club is happy to announce the Third Garifuna Food Expo on Saturday, April 17th from 12:00 PM, at Saint Martin Tours 664 Grote St Bronx, NY 10457-1810 (Between Belmont Avenue and Crotona Avenue Entrance at 182 St), where visitors will be able to purchase traditional Garifuna foods, like cassava, darasa, bounu, hiyu and many more, as well as a cultural presentation by the Hamamlali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company and a performance by Black Steelz .

New Horizon Investment Club is happy to celebrate the second anniversary of the establishment of a formal distribution channel for importation of the O’Big Mama cassava and the its tenth anniversary of its founding. 

Garifuna Coloring Book For Children Published

Copyright 2010 by Teofilo “Tio Teo” Colon Jr.  All rights reserved.

When it came to trying to figure out a way to entertain her niece, ISIDRA SABIO had a unique solution.

“Every time my niece came by to visit, I made some drawings for her to color” – Isidra Sabio

After drawing a few figures, Isidra Sabio figured that she should add Garifuna and English words to the figures that she drew.  And with that comes the publication and release of her new Garifuna Coloring Book for Children.

Upon designing and drafting The Garifuna Coloring Book, Isidra Sabio decided to take a chance and put the word out about the book on Facebook.  She took 2 pages from the book and posted the images as a photo album on her Facebook profile.  She also made copies of the Garifuna Coloring book available at a vending table at The First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night in the Bronx in New York City.

Word spread and people are buying the Garifuna Coloring Book.  Residents of the countries of St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Honduras and The United States Of America have purchased the book (so copies of The Garifuna Coloring Book are now available in 3 countries!!!).  Isidra Sabio notes,

“People react excellently to the book, when they see it they actually buy it, the problem is that I have not been able to reach as many Garifuna families in the English speaking countries as I wish.” — ISIDRA SABIO

In reflecting on the book, Isidra Sabio explains,

“The Garifuna Coloring Book was designed for children to have fun while learning the Garifuna language.  The coloring book will help them to learn how to count up to ten as well as name some elements of our daily life in Garifuna.” — ISIDRA SABIO

For interested parties, The Garifuna Coloring Book is available for $6.00 (and an addititonal $1.50 for shipping and handling if it needs to be mailed).  5% of the proceeds from the sales of The Garifuna Coloring Book will go to the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc, a non-profit Garifuna Advocacy Group based in the Bronx in New York City.

The Garifuna Coloring Book is 16 pages long and can be purchased at The Office of The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.

Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc

391 E. 149th Street

Room 215

Bronx, NY 10455

(718) 402-7700

You can reach ISIDRA SABIO through email (isidra.sabio@garifunacoalition.com) or her Facebook page to get more information about The Garifuna Coloring Book.

-Tio Teo

Heroines against gendercide

FAITH IN ACTION

By Katherine Marshall

Two statues of women dominate the central square of Hopkins, a small town in Belize. One celebrates Martina Vicente, a true matriarch figure (a sign says 85% of the town's population claim her as their ancestress). The other is of Marcella Lewis, poet, musician, writer and patroness of the town but also of the Garifuna community, a proud and distinctive ethnic group now concentrated in Central America. "She lived to love and she loved to live," says the inscription; legend has it that her spiritual force shaped all who met her.

It's not common to find a community whose memories celebrate women quite as explicitly and dominantly as the town of Hopkins. But as I explore people's personal inspiration and motivation, it's striking how often people point to the powerful influence of women, especially mothers but also teachers and other figures.

Set that in contrast to the articles in a recent Economist magazine. The cover picture has two pink booties and the headline, in pink letters, is "Gendercide." Why are 100 million girls missing, the magazine asks.

At issue is one of the most horrific patterns in modern life, the systematic abortion of female fetuses and killing of baby girls. This is a genocide so quiet that it is measured in statistical probabilities (the ratios of births of girls and boys are remarkably similar and steady across place and time so if, say, 120 boys are born for every 100 girls, someone is clearly doing something to make that happen). Gendercide is widespread, and it increases as people gain the technology to know when they expect a daughter. It creates gender imbalances that threaten to destabilize our unstable world still more.

Three forces explain the trend. One is an ancient preference for sons that is common in many societies. In the past, though, people looked to spooky practices to influence their future child's sex. Today, sonograms and other techniques offer a real way to know. And with smaller families, options for that desired son shrink: in China, notably, you have one shot only.

A sordid piece of the story is direct infanticide. We have little grip on the real numbers but many little girls are killed or allowed to die. Author Xinran in Message from an Unknown Chinese Mother: Stories of Loss and Love describes a horrendous scene where a newborn baby girl is drowned in a chamber pot. Perhaps worse is the brutal statistic of abnormally high mortality of second and third daughters, telling a tale of neglect and abuse.

The passion for boy children is far stronger in some cultures than others, linked both to economics (boys to work the fields and care for parents in old age) and traditions of male dominance. Once the technology is available to discern the sex of a fetus, the speed with which the boy/girl imbalance has shifted has been breathtaking, especially in Asia and the Middle East. There is evidence that it also afflicts some communities in the United States.

The prospect of a generation or more of large societies contending with age cohorts where men far outnumber women is chilling. Rootless young men are notoriously prone to violence and other destabilizing behavior. Common sense suggests that the experience of skewed sex ratios will ultimately reverse the patterns so that the situation comes back into balance. But letting nature take its course, so to speak, is a very risky approach, even though there is some sign that in some countries, Korea especially, more girls are born today than a decade ago.

What really will jolt cultures out of this dangerous mix of tradition and modern technology is celebrating women, in real and meaningful ways. Where women are viewed as weak, inferior, and dependent, they are dispensable and prone to exploitation.

This is where religious leaders and communities can unite and act. They can speak forcefully on gendercide; Swami Agnivesh, leading marches against foeticide in India, sets a great example. Even more, they can celebrate women, not only in traditional roles as nurturers and loving companions but as true heroines, equal participants and leaders. They can celebrate far more the extraordinary work of women in faith communities

If we can truly achieve true equality between men and women, it's possible to imagine a far better world, where the current missing 100 million plus girls would be unimaginable. And more towns would, like Hopkins Belize, savor and celebrate the achievements of women.

Katherine Marshall is a senior fellow at Georgetown's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs, a Visiting Professor, and a senior advisor for the World Bank.

Bronx Community Board #6 and the 87 Happy Land Committee invite you to join us at a memorial service for the victims of the Happy Land Social Club Fire.

Thursday, March 25, 2010
St. Thomas Aquinas Church
1900 Crotona Parkway, Bronx, New York
@ 7:00 p.m.

(THIS YEAR THERE WILL BE NO SUNDAY MASS)

The Thursday, March 25th mass will be followed by a procession to the site of the Happy Land Monument at East Tremont Avenue between Southern Boulevard and Crotona Parkway. Once there, we will lay flowers and mementos and reflect on our loss.

We also encourage you to watch the cable television show “Abriendo Brecha Internacional” on channel 69 (BronxNet) during the week of March 22nd for a special show focusing on the Happy Land tragedy. This show will be broadcast to Honduras where many of the victims were either born or had relatives.

New signage at the monument bearing the names of all 87 victims to be provided through the generosity of the Tremont Business and Community Organization.

Please contact Bronx Community Board #6 at (718) 579-6990 for additional information.

The Garifuna Coalition Encourages Garifunas to Complete the US Census Form.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2010

Contacts: (718) 402-7700 e-mail: info@garifunacoalition.org 

New York. --The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc., a non- profit, non-partisan 503 (c) (3) organization, advocating on behalf of the Garifuna Community, urges all Garifunas to answer questions 8 and 9 correctly on the 2010 Census form. The questionnaire will be sent to households throughout the United States by March 15-17, 2010.

The Census form includes 10 questions expected to be answered in ten minutes. The Census Bureau requires that the form is filled in appropriately to account for everyone living in the United States as of April 1, 2010. 



It is very important that all Garifunas in the United States answer correctly question number 8 about Hispanic Origin, said Jose Francisco Avila, President of the Garifuna Coalition. To answer this question correctly, Garifunas from Guatemala, Honduras or Nicaragua are encouraged to answer yes, another Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin and write in the country in the space provided. Garifunas from Belize or St. Vincent and the Grenadines should answer No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin.

Question number 9 asks about the person’s race. We encourage all Garifunas to answer some other race and write in Garifuna in the space provided.

The Garifuna Coalition would like to remind all Garifunas that the 2010 Census form should be sent back promptly to the US Census on or before April 1st, 2010, said Sulma Arzu-Brown, Vice President.

Households that do not mail back the form will be visited by census takers.

The US Census Bureau aims at counting all U.S. residents, including citizens and non-citizens regardless of their immigration status. Census data help government determine the number of seats per state in the U.S. House of Representatives, and how more than $400 billion dollars are spent on infrastructure and provision of services at hospitals, schools, senior centers, and job training centers.

For more information about the US Census and the importance of filling out the census form visit the Census Bureaus Question & Answer Center at 2010/census.gov or call 1-800-923-8282.

RE: Drumming, Dancing, Singing and Songwriting  - Invitation (See hard copy below)

Dear

The Chatuye Conservatory of Garifuna Music proudly invites you to participate in our eight-week intensive drumming, dancing, singing and songwriting course. The classes will explore the Garifuna 'Dances With Characters,' namely, the warini, wanaragua (junkanoo/John Canoe), tira and charikanare. These dances and characters are performed and shared with the community at large only at Christmas time.

Graduates of the eight-week course will be invited to participate in the 2 year conservatory incubator program. The two year course will cover the numerous other Garifuna musical styles and dances including the punta, paranda, gunjai, sambai, chumba etc., singing and songwriting techniques and strategies.

Classes will be held every other Sunday beginning March 21, 2010, the cost is $10.00 per session. Students are asked to bring their personal drum and/or percussion instruments to the first class session.

Children and adults age 7 to 97 are welcome. Individuals with physical and other development challenges are especially welcome (if accompanied by an adult). Space is limited. Please return this invitation with your signature and/or the names of participating friends and family members or pass on the invitation to others interested in awakening their creative genius and talents.

Cordially,
Sidney Mejia, MHA
Instructor

New York– The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce that  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr,  Office has agreed to issue the proclamation of March 11^th – April 12^th, 2010 as Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. 

Wadabu Restaurant serving Caribbean and Garifuna Cuisine will open on April 1, 2010 in Los Angeles.

NGC 26^th  ANNUAL CONVENTION

National Garifuna Council announces that the 26^th Annual Convention will be held at the UB Campus in the City of Belmopan Friday March 5^th to Sunday, March 7^th 2010.  The main objectives  of the convention are:

1. To review and adopt the minutes of the 25^th Annual Convention which was held in Belize City in March 2009.
2. To receive and consider the Financial Statements for 2008.and  the Board of Directors’ Report on the transactions of the Council for the year ending December, 2009.
3.  To receive directions from the general membership to guide the work of the Council in the ensuing year.
4. To confirm the venue for the selection of Miss Garifuna Belize 2010  and select venues for the selection of Miss Garifuna Belize 2011 and 2012
5. To confirm the venue for the Convention for 2011  and select venues for the Convention for 2012 and 2013.
6. To select a theme for the Council’s activities for the period 2010 -2011.
7. To elect the new National Executive to serve for the period 2010-2012.

The  Convention will start with Registration and a Business meeting on Friday, March 5^th at 5.00 p.m. On Saturday March 6^th, there will be a Garifuna  Thanksgiving Mass at 8.00 a.m. at the UB Auditorium and this will be followed by a Mali, The Official Opening  Ceremony will be at 10.00 a.m. During that Ceremony, the recipients of the Barauda Award for the Belmopan Branch of the NGC will be announced.

The last Convention to be held in Belmopan was in 2001 as the Convention is held in all the places where NGC has a branch on a rotation basis.

National Garifuna Council invites everyone to come along and make new friends, broaden their knowledge and have fun as they experience the Garifuna Culture!   There will also be interesting discussion fora  on  various other topics including:

·         Proposal writing  

·          Role of Garifuna Professionals in the Development of Belize

·         HIV/AIDS and its impact on our society

·         Health and Nutrition in general

·         Presentation on the Moringa tree and its benefits as a source of food and nutrition.

  There will be a health booth mounted with the assistance of the Ministry of Health and there will also be special sporting and other interactive sessions for the youths.

All are reminded that resolutions to be tabled at the convention must be submitted to the National Executive two weeks in advance of the convention through any one of the Branch Presidents. For more information contact your local NGC branch President or call Mr. Ernest Castro at 822-0555 for further information.

Roy Cayetano to Receive Garifuna Heritage Award (NEW)

Roy Cayetano to Receive Garifuna Heritage Award

 Celebrating and Promoting the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2010

Contacts:      Jose Francisco Avila (718) 402-7700    e-mail: info@garifunacoalition.org

New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce that Mr. E.  Roy Cayetano  will be presented a Garifuna Heritage Award, during the First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night on March 13^th 2010 at 7 PM  at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture,   450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451.

E. Roy Cayetano, is an educator, a linguist and an anthropologist who has  contributed to the Preservation of the Garifuna Culture through the People`s Garifuna Dictionary and has served as a consultant in the effort of the Government and the Garifuna people of Honduras to develop a Garifuna language program for the schools of that country. He is also committed to the collection and preservation of songs as well as the promotion of various aspects of the culture. He is the author of the poem “Drums of My Father”, which is one of the better-known Belizean poems.

On May 18, 2001 UNESCO recognized the Garifuna Culture as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. This designation means that it is an important culture that should be preserved, promoted, and celebrated.  Then National Garifuna Council president Roy Cayetano, compiled and submitted the candidature file to UNESCO. Mr. Cayetano has also served as Secretary General of the Belize UNESCO Commission, chief executive officer in the  Ministry of Rural Development & Culture, Deputy Minister of Culture in Belize and as a Senator.

The first Garifuna Heritage Awards will   honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna Culture. The annual event, which is a flagship event of the Garifuna Coalition, celebrates the contributions, legacies and future of those of Garifuna heritage.

A dynamic cultural stage production will feature James Lovell and the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble, Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company,Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna  Folkloric Ballet of NY, Paula Castillo and Hechu Garinagu and a grand finale directed by Mr. Meléndez.

 
The Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night is an integral part of the Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. The proclamation will be presented by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and New York State Governor David A. Paterson’s office during a press conference in the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM. 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY.

José Francisco Avila
www.newhorizoninvestclub.com

Click on the links below for additional information

mali_workshop_project.pdf (NEW)

 List of names--Mali Workshop edited.pdf

Mali Workshop Project Report(2).pdf

 Mali Workshop_Page_1.jpg

 Mali Workshop_Page_2.jpg

GENERAL PROGRAM

Friday Feb. 26 7pm:  Welcome to all of the delegations (Yolanda & Carlos Gregorio) 253 East 47th Place Los Angeles, CA 90011.

9:pm-10pm  - Event Coordinators’ Meeting Representatives of each delegation will be meeting to get an update and to talk about the logistics for the 2-day-event. 

SATURDAY FEB. 27 9AM - 3:30PM:

- Prayer: Invocation to God, to the Saints and our Ancestors.

- Holy Rosary and invocation to Virgen Mary for her presence and blessings to all of the participants and for a successful event.

-         Testimonials: Elect a participant who could give his/her testimonial in regards to his/her faith, as a Garifuna, in Jesus Christ.  What has been his/her experience as he/she has found Jesus Christ without forgetting his/her Garifuna identity or perhaps how his/her finding himself/herself in Jesus, has reassured his/her Garifuna identity. (remember that we have participants coming from Guatemala, The Bronx and Brooklyn, NY)

-         Understanding the importance of a of aculturation in the word of God as a Garifuna. An understanding of the revelation of God to the world from the point of view of Garifunaduo.

-         Debate: a roundtable discussion about the different questions that people have in regards to Garinagu and the Catholic church...workshop open to Q & A.

-         Conclusion: It is recommended that we focus on at least 3 goals which will be our point of reference.  These goals will help us to continue to work towards the issues discussed and the conclussions reached unanimously.

3:30pm - 5:00pm Holy Mass offered by Father Cacho from Honduras at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church located at  114 W 87th St. Los Angeles, CA 90003 St. Readings: First Reading: Genesis 1, 25-31; Responsorial Psalm: Song to be sang (suggested), Second Reading: Phillippians 2, 5-11; Luke 4, 16-22

8pm - 12m Social Mixer at Exedus Club 89th & Vermont Avenue LA, CA (Moha's club)

Sunday Feb. 28

10am Follow up meeting which will help us finalize and focus on the issues discussed.  Participants from all delegations are welcome and strongly encouraged to take part in this meeting.

12m: Teigagu Wafurugu/Come together for your offering (Luis Martinez “Tachu” 11729 Snapdragon Ln , Moreno Valley , CA 92557 )

Subject: passing of Mr. Augustine Flores

 Dear Colleagues,  

I am sad to inform you of the passing of Mr. Augustine Flores of Pal’s Guest House, (former ) Principal of Ecumenical College,  President of NGC and President/Vice President of ONECA, which occurred today about 4.30 p.m. Though he has been sick for a while, the news of his passing still took us by surprise.  

We don’t know yet what the arrangements are for the funeral but will keep you posted.   We will miss him dearly but he has now gone to be with our Ancestors and is resting in peace.    

Phyllis Cayetano President,

NGC Dangriga Branch  

 Below are some thoughts remembering him and his life.  I have created a forum topic on this site where you may post your memories of him.  Click on this link Tribute to Mr. Augustine Flores

He has touched the lives of thousands.

Click below for a copy of the above document

THE_MIGRATION_OF_THE_GARIFUNA_PEOPLE.pdf

This document is the teaching Guide for the Migration of the Garifuna People Garifuna_Migration_Teacher's_Guide.htm

 First Garifuna Heritage Awards   Celebrating and Promoting the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York      

                                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 20, 2010   Contacts:      José Francisco Ávila   (718) 402-7700               info@garifunacoalition.org   New York –

The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce The First Garifuna Heritage Awards which will be presented during the First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night on March 13^th 2010 at 7 PM  at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture,   450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451.   The first Garifuna Heritage Awards will   honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna Culture. The annual event, which is a flagship event of the Garifuna Coalition, celebrates the contributions, legacies and future of those of Garifuna heritage.   This year’s honorees include Crisanto Armando Meléndez, (Savaranga, Uayujuru), Executive Director of the Garinagu Cultural Center and Artistic Director of The Garifuna National Folklore Ballet in Honduras; Kensy Sambola, President of the Afro Garifuna Association of Nicaragua (AAGANIC), David Augustine Glasgow, President of the Garifuna Heritage Foundation of St Vincent and the Grenadines; Mr. Pablo Roberto Mejía from Livingston, Guatemala, Blanca Arzu, Branch Manager at Ponce de Leon Federal Bank in New York and  E.Roy Cayetano, author of the People`s Garifuna Dictionary from Belize.   A dynamic cultural stage production will feature James Lovell and the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble, Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company, Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna  Folkloric Ballet of NY, Paula Castillo and Hechu Garinagu and a grand finale directed by Mr. Crisanto Armando Meléndez, (Savaranga, Uayujuru).   The Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night is an integral part of the Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. The proclamation will be presented by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and New York State Governor David A. Paterson’s office during a press conference in the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM. 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY. Garifuna-American Heritage Month, celebrates the great contributions of Garifuna-Americans to the fabric of New York, and will pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Garifuna countries of origin. New York City is home to the largest Garifuna Community outside of Central America.   On September 17^th 1821, nearly a decade before slavery was completely phased out in New York City; William Henry Brown's African Theater presented its first performance near the intersection of Bleecker and Mercer Streets in Greenwich Village. Mr. Brown is also known as the first American Playwright of African Descent, he wrote the play The Drama of King Shotoway, recognized as the first black drama of the American Theatre and has as its subject the 1795 Black Caribs (Garifunas) defense of the Island of Saint Vincent, against colonization by the British.     The Garifuna Heritage Month Proclamation is significant and critical in making visible the Garifuna American identity, developing the agenda and recognizing  Garifuna Americans who contribute significantly to the American landscape.   For tickets or general information, please contact:   Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (718) 518.4455 Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.  (718) 402-7700 or info@garifunacoalition.org, Luz Soliz (646) 245-7302, Jose Francisco Avila (917) 783-5298
  Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.garifunacoalition.org
Preservation of the Garifuna Culture Cause 
        Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.
Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision
        www.garifunacoalition.org 
http://www.myspace.com/garifunacoalition