Last November 19, members of the Garifuna indigenous group celebrated the anniversary of its settlement in Belize more than a hundred years ago in 1832 through the Garifuna Settlement Day 2009.Garifuna Settlement Day celebrates this day by showcasing their rich, unique culture and a lot of dance parties. The favorite here is the local punta music, which is native to the Garifuna. Flags of the Garifuna tribe are also raised up all over the country, while re-enactments of the first settlers sailing to the ports are also common.
Celebrations actually start in the eve of the 19th, when bands and native drummers are invited to provide music as the party-goers do party until the wee hours of the morning. The next day, the official ceremonies follow in the local town of Dangriga. The national anthem is sung and cultural numbers are presented to entertain the audience.
The Garifuna people comprise 8% of the toal population of Belize. These people are of Black Caribbean origin and used to be part of the population ousted from St. Vincent in 1797. They populate the southern coasts of Belize, speaking their own language and own culture derived from a mix of Western Indian and African influences.
So as you can see, the Garifuna people comprise a significant part of Belize's population, culture, and history. During this momentous day for the Garifuna people, you would expect the leader of the nation to be with them.
Unfortunately, the Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow, chose to not go down to Dangriga town and instead called on to the president of the National Garifuna Council to go to Belize City and celebrate him. That is not surprising actually, since last year was the only time he chose to celebrate with the rest of the Garifuna people. On the other hand, the Prime Minister was able to fly to Miami for a week to attend a gala event. How ironic is that?
