Less than a week has passed since the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant ended, and Belizeans are grappling with another year without placing. While many praised Belize’s representative, Halima Hoy, for her stunning display of Belizean culture, criticism has also emerged. Today, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management, SATIIM, released an open letter calling Hoy’s national costume and presentation of the Deer Dance sacrilegious. The letter states, “the Deer Dance is a religious ceremony of Maya communities. While its origins are a mystery, it is a tradition that enacts the Maya view of what is sacred. No Maya person brought up in their culture would ever put on a Deer Dance mask or clothing outside of the rituals. To do otherwise is sacrilegious and invites misfortune”. The organization acknowledges the well-intended purpose of the performance but insists that without proper adherence to the dance’s protocols, it fails to honor its true meaning. The statement concludes with a call for cultural policy and legislation to properly protect and promote Mayan culture.
Garifuna Settlement Day is just around the corner, and the celebrations are already in full swing. As Belizeans come together to honor the historic arrival of the Garifuna people, the police will be on duty to keep things peaceful and orderly. Today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams encouraged everyone to enjoy the festivities but reminded the public to do so respectfully, without infringing on others’ rights.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“We are actively involved in the policing of the nineteenth time celebration activities in Belize City, in Belmopan and down south. I think those are the areas where we are seeing activities. Our specialized units will be deployed to these activities to assist the local police in ensuring the safety of people. I just want to encourage your call upon our citizens who are going to these events to celebrate the 19th, so please do so in such a way that you don’t expose yourself to harm. And if you’re going to enjoy yourself, do so in such a way that you don’t infringe on the rights of people. If you’re going to drive, don’t drink. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive at the end of the day, we want everyone to celebrate. And when the celebrations are over, we want everyone to go home to the family safe. That’s the important thing. And so making sure that we are civil in how we celebrate is important. And so I just want to ask everybody who are going to be a part of this nineteenth celebration to always consider the other person that is around and try not to do anything to hurt or to harm anybody. And once that is done, then I think we should be able to come back on Wednesday to say that, you know, we had a good nineteenth celebration.”
Preserving Garifuna heritage honors their ancestors and keeps traditions, language, and stories alive for future generations. This cultural continuity helps to maintain a strong sense of identity and community. Garifuna culture is a unique blend of African, Arawak, and Carib influences, which enriches the cultural tapestry of Belize and the world. By maintaining their heritage, they contribute to the diversity and richness of global culture. It also fosters pride and resilience within the Garifuna community, empowering them to celebrate their history and achievements. Sharing indigenous traditions, music, dance, and language with others promotes cultural understanding and respect. It helps bridge gaps between different communities and fosters a more inclusive and harmonious society. In tonight’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Isani Cayetano looks at the preservation of the Garifuna culture.
Mathew and Virgin Martinez
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
As a couple, Mathew and Virgin Martinez have devoted their lives to keeping tradition alive and preserving the rich heritage of the Garifuna people. Together, they are the embodiment of Garifunaduo, a cultural experience that celebrates the language, music, dance, cuisine, attire, spirituality, and lifestyle of the Garifuna people.
Mathew Martinez
Mathew Martinez, Cultural Activist
“It is a very powerful movement that we are experiencing at this particular point in time. It is a renaissance because a lot of people are now gravitating towards their cultural identity. We need to have more of that so we can strengthen, in order for us to strengthen the true Belizean identity.”
With so many people reconnecting with their cultural heritage these days, the Martinezes are at the heart of this movement. This dynamic husband-and-wife team and a group of passionate advocates are inspiring the next generation of Garifuna boys and girls. Among them is Angela Palacio.
Angela Palacio
Angela Palacio, Belize City Resident
“My parents were very proud Garinagu and they spoke Garifuna to us. So, even though back then it wasn’t popular to be Garifuna, they would try to ridicule you, but my parents, they said you have to be proud and they spoke Garifuna to us. Our friends would come and they would talk to us in Garifuna, and so, our friends knew we were Garifuna. We didn’t have to hide that.”
Back then, being Garifuna and celebrating the culture wasn’t widely accepted. It took a long time for Garifuna pride to truly flourish here in Belize City.
Mathew Martinez
“When we first moved to Belize City in the Eighties, there was still that prejudice, that discrimination, that whole thing about Garifuna, the mix, about people whoare Garifuna, Garifunaduo itself. People were still ashamed of who they are.”
To nurture a strong sense of pride, they came together and created Ugundani, a dance group that still thrives today, almost four decades later. Naomi Guzman is the founder of that collective.
Naomi Guzman
Naomi Guzman, Founder, Ugundani Dance Group
“When I founded Ugundani, it was with the idea that we continue to teach our Garifuna culture and keep the tradition and the traditional dancing, the traditional drumming because we found out that there were certain that take the Garifuna tradition into different directions. We are about keeping it the traditional way.”
Back in 2001, UNESCO honored Belize’s Garifuna language, dance, and music by declaring them a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.” This recognition celebrates the rich cultural tapestry and vibrant traditions of the Garifuna people.
Kamin Matura
Kamin Matura Jr., Participant, Lirahinu Ugundani
“It’s important to know about your culture and how to speak it, the cultural dances, the cultural traditions and everything that the culture does.”
To keep this cultural masterpiece alive, Ugundani is passing down each element to a group of children affectionately called Lirahinu Ugundani, or Children of Joy.
Joseph Williams
Joseph Williams, Participant, Lirahinu Ugundani
“I like the dancing and the drumming.”
Isani Cayetano
“You like the Wanaragua, or the John Canoe, right?”
Joseph Williams
“Yes.”
Isani Cayetano
“What about the Wanaragua do you like?”
Joseph Williams
“How to make a fast pace moving.”
Isani Cayetano
“So you like the drums, too?”
Joseph Williams
“Yes.”
Isani Cayetano
“What about the drums do you like?”
Joseph Williams
“I like the sounding of it.”
The timbre of the primero and Segundo are unmistakable. Together, the polyrhythms of the Garifuna drums are indeed a spiritual experience. What makes Wanaragua truly special is that the dancers take the lead, with the drummers following their rhythm. This unique dynamic creates an engaging and lively performance that captivates everyone watching. However, dancing is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to reviving and preserving our culture. There’s so much more involved in keeping these rich traditions alive.
Mathew Martinez
“It is a powerful start. With the children, they are interested in whatever we do, in the language, especially, in the music, in the dance, they are interested. So hopefully now, we will be moving into the history of the Garifuna people. So we will be teaching that, hopefully next year, we start that in January.”
Mahogany is one of Belize’s most treasured resources, having played a crucial role in the country’s economic history. But for local sculptor Carl Gordon, mahogany is more than just wood—it’s a canvas for his art. In this week’s episode of Belize on Reel, we chatted with Carl to uncover the passion and craftsmanship behind his creations and to find out what has kept him inspired for forty-six years. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.
See when you look at the wood, it suggests what it wants you do with it. It’s only for you to find a way to find that and work with it.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Stepping into the home of Belizean artist Carl Gordon feels like entering a museum. Every inch, from floor to ceiling, is adorned with sculptures he has meticulously crafted over the past forty-six years. Gordon’s artistic journey began when he was just a schoolboy, and his passion has only grown since then.
Carl Gordon
Carl Gordon, Wood Sculptor
“I used to love to draw. That at one point, I actually stole my uncle’s drawing book and I took it to school. He was very good at drawing. And what I did was, I traced over some of his drawing and to kind of get the indication. So my friends, my classmates, they could have seen what I was doing. And when they saw me doing that, they got sort of interested and wanted to, wanted me to draw for them. They didn’t know what I was doing. So I would then do it for them, but without them looking at me.”
Gordon started honing his drawing skills on his own, steadily improving over time. It wasn’t until he reached adulthood that he discovered wood carving and fell in love with it. Nowadays, he finds his inspiration in the clouds, letting their shapes and forms guide his artistic vision.
Carl Gordon
“What really influences me in doing what I’m doing is the inspiration I get from looking in the clouds on a daily basis, because the clouds has all the formation of whatever I have in here, I would see it in the clouds.”
Gordon shares that he has a near-photographic memory, allowing him to vividly recall the images he sees in the sky during the morning and evening. He considers this ability to draw inspiration from the clouds and transform it into his wood carvings a true blessing. His art often reflects a deep connection to his African ancestry, a recurring theme in his work.
Carl Gordon
“When I look in the clothes and I see some of these formations and I put it together it’s like it kind of invokes me in a provocative manner. You understand? And I really do have to do something about it. So, I get wood, I look at the wood, I think about what I had seen, And I start the work. I start working and everything start coming together, you know? And this, this is the theme, from my ancestors. It’s like I am following their footsteps.”
Standing proudly in the center of Gordon’s pieces is a sculpture titled “Emancipation”. It depicts an African girl breaking the chains of oppression. He walks us through the creation of this piece. It started with a dying Mahogany tree that he saw on the side of the road.
Carl Gordon
“It was an old, rotten looking mahogany tree, but it was pretty solid. Rotten on the outside, but solid on the inside. And I had the opportunity to cut that tree. And he had given a piece to me. So this is what I carved from that piece of wood. But to get to this point, I used my chainsaw. I use, I do a lot of chainsaw cutting. Then I have my grinder, I have a disc grinder that I would grind it down with after getting it to the point. I do my chiseling, I work with my hatchet. You know, I do all that. So it’s a lot of things I have to put together in order to reach to this point that it is presently.”
Most of the wood Gordon uses is driftwood, found washed up on the seashore. It can take him nearly a year to transform each piece into something even more beautiful than when he found it. Despite the challenges of sourcing materials and the countless hours he pours into each creation, Gordon can’t imagine a future where he isn’t pursuing his passion for wood carving.
Carl Gordon
“That’s love. That’s what I am blessed by the Father’s hand. You understand what I’m saying? This is my calling. I don’t want to be doing nothing else but carve and sculpt. You understand? So, it doesn’t really feel no way to me.”
Japan’s rich cultural tapestry, woven from its historical roots and modern innovations, makes it a captivating destination for any traveler seeking an immersive and enriching experience. News Five’s Isani Cayetano joined a delegation of reporters, university lecturers and government officials on a trip to Japan, in the Far East, where he took in the cultural and tourism experience for this week’s Kolcha Tuesday. Here’s that story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Japan’s culture is famous worldwide, from its stunning art and delicious cuisine to its captivating films and music. And let’s not forget the vibrant world of Japanese pop culture, with its iconic comics, mesmerizing animation, and cutting-edge video games that have fans all over the globe. A few weeks ago, I had the incredible chance to visit this amazing island nation in East Asia. Even though the long flight from New York to Tokyo left me jetlagged, my adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun was truly eye-opening and unforgettable. It was a privilege to embark on this familiarization visit alongside a distinguished group of journalists, professors, and government representatives from across the Caribbean. We were invited to Japan by the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation.
APIC actively participates in a range of development cooperation projects aimed at fostering and strengthening connections with the international community. These initiatives are designed not only to promote global partnerships, but also to cultivate a deeper, mutual understanding between Japan and numerous other nations, including Belize. This was our inaugural journey to such a distant part of the world, making it even more special. Accompanying me from Belize was my dear friend and esteemed colleague, LJay Wade, a familiar face to many of you from Plus TV. Following a grueling, fourteen-hour, nonstop flight from JFK, we finally touched down at Haneda Airport, the bustling hub and busiest of the two international gateways to the Greater Tokyo Area. The excitement of arriving in such a vibrant city was evident as we landed, ready to explore all that Tokyo has to offer.
Our first day in the lively Capital City was packed with exciting visits, including a stop at a prestigious university renowned for its focus on animation and the visual arts. There, we had the privilege of meeting a distinguished professor, a true expert in the field of Japanese animation, who shared fascinating insights into this captivating art form. Our next stop was the iconic Kaminarimon, where a massive red lantern majestically hangs at the center of the gate in Tokyo. Originally constructed in 941 AD by the military commander Taira no Kinmasa, the Kaminarimon was initially situated near Komagata. It found its current home in 1635, during which time the revered gods of wind and thunder were believed to have been enshrined on the gate, adding to its historical and cultural significance. From that point, we embarked on our culinary adventure, heading to our first stop—a charming, traditional restaurant that meticulously honors every custom, making the Japanese dining experience exceptionally unique and unforgettable. The cuisine is a delightful blend of tradition, artistry, and seasonal ingredients. It emphasizes balance, harmony, and presentation, making each meal a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Given Japan’s island geography, seafood is central to its cuisine. This includes raw fish, or sashimi, grilled fish, and various seafood-based dishes. The staple, however, is rice, often served plain or as sushi. To cap off our day, we immersed ourselves in the enchanting world of kabuki, a classical Japanese theatre that masterfully blends dramatic storytelling with traditional dance. Kabuki is renowned for its highly stylized performances, dazzling and ornate costumes, and the intricate kumadori makeup that transforms its performers into living works of art. Elsewhere during our trip, we boarded a bullet train for Kyoto, a city where ancient traditions and modern life coexist in perfect harmony. Kyoto is celebrated for its breathtaking temples, tranquil gardens, and deep cultural heritage. During our visit, we marveled at the Golden Pavilion, a magnificent Zen Buddhist temple.
This iconic structure stands as one of the most beloved landmarks in Japan’s former capital. At an unassuming yet exclusive restaurant in Kyoto, where securing a reservation requires months of anticipation, I had the unforgettable experience of being introduced to the exquisite delicacy of wagyu beef. Wagyu beef is among the most expensive meats in the world. It boasts intricate marbling, with delicate streaks of fat woven through the red meat, enhancing its tenderness, moisture, and rich flavor. In Kyoto, the women are draped in traditional Japanese clothing, including the national dress of Japan, the Kimono. Our next stop was Kanazawa, a city in central Japan with a population of roughly half-a-million residents. LJay perfectly captured the essence of our weeklong adventure in Japan.
LJay Wade
LJay Wade, Belizean Journalist
“Tokyo is the bustling, modern metropolis that’s filled with innovation, while Kyoto and Kanazawa hold on to ancient and traditional practices with its antique beauty and landscapes. We got to experience traditional practices such as kabuki in Tokyo, the laka method in Kanazawa, and noh in Kyoto. We also got to eat traditional foods such as tempura sushi, sashimi, miso soup and matsukake soup which I hear is super expensive and I got to eat two of them. So I’m very, very thankful for that.”
APIC was founded on September 8th, 1975, with the goal of making it easier for the public to understand and support official development assistance projects by providing accessible information. After a legal revision on April 1st, 2013, APIC became a general incorporated foundation, but it continues to carry out its original mission with the same dedication and purpose.
LJay Wade
“I cannot wait to go back home to Belize and write about Japan which, in my view, is the perfect blend of modernization and cultural preservation.”
November has just kicked off, and the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations are already in full swing! Today, the National Garifuna Council brought the streets of Belize City to life with a vibrant motorcade, marking the start of the festivities. News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the scene to capture all the excitement. Here’s the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
It’s been two hundred and one years since the Garifuna people made their way to Belize, and the National Garifuna Council is starting this year’s celebrations with a bang! Today, the Belize City branch hosted a lively motorcade, filled with the vibrant colors and sounds of Garifuna culture. Raphael Martinez, President of the NGC in Belize City, shared more details about the festivities.
Raphael Martinez Sr.
Raphael Martinez Sr., President, NGC Belize City
“This is the advent of the national celebrations, our November celebrations. And as you rightly mentioned just a while ago, we starting off at three o’clock or maybe a little thereafter with the motorcade. And the motorcade is actually heralding, as I mentioned before, the advent of the November celebrations for Belize city. And we are expecting quite a few vehicles to be parked outside in a short while with the Garifuna flag with the drums. We have about three or four drum groups. From Belize City and not to mention some of the schools who will be actually joining the motorcade. This should be something very beautiful to watch and to listen to. Because, whenever the drums make a little noise, everybody wants to shake ney waist.”
The theme for this year’s celebrations is afeduha wamèi wagücha, afareinha waméi wanichigu, which translates to celebrating our roots, sharing our culture.
Raphael Martinez Sr.
“It’s two hundred and one years since the arrival of the Garifuna girl people here in Belize. It has been a big struggle, coming all the way from St. Vincent having fought with the British for so many years and being rooted and set adrift. And from Baliceaux Balisu where half of us died, there was five thousand of us. who were exiled to Balasore and all the other 5, 000, we had about just over two thousand probably two thousand five hundred who were shipped all the way to Roatan, Honduras. And they thought they, they could have killed out. It was a genocidal attempt, but it did not happen.it did not happen.”
The motorcade kicked off at the House of Culture and looped back to its starting point, setting the stage for a night filled with dancing and feasting. The National Garifuna Council is inviting all Belizeans to join in celebrating the resilience of the Garifuna people and the vibrant community they’ve built over the past two hundred years.
Raphael Martinez Sr.
“Immediately after the official ceremonies, which should last about say thirty minutes, we will go straight into Larabea and some very other talented bands from Belize City. So it’s this party all night until midnight. We have Sahou. We have Garifuna food. We have Garifuna music. Just come out and have some fun. And this is the first day of November and this is the advent of our celebration, nineteenth November celebration. Come and learn what we have to offer until nineteenth of November. of November.”
Diwali, originating from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ meaning a row of lights, is a vibrant Indian festival where celebrants illuminate their homes with rows of traditional clay oil lamps. These glowing lights symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, creating a magical and enlightening atmosphere. In Beize, the Indian community has been observing Diwali since the festival began earlier this week.
Rakhi Bhujwani
Rakhi Bhujwani, Member, Indian Community
“Diwali is the festival of lights, prosperity, we have the goddess of wealth. This is our Indian New Year and Christmas where family and friends come together. We celebrate, exchange gifts and enjoy. It’s a three-day festival.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“When is this taking place?”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“Today is the final day. We have it for three days. It started day before, yesterday, and today.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“So it started on Wednesday.”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“We started with Dhanteras, small Diwali which was yesterday and today is the actual Diwali.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“Okay, can you explain to me what’s the difference between those three days?”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“This was where god Rhama came to Iotia and that’s when they had the festival for three days.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“What type of events go for each of those days?”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“The first day, Dhanteras is when everybody buys gold and exchange gifts. The second day is the small Diwali when you light candles. The third day, we all come together as family and we pray and exchange gifts, have dinners, etc.”
The Day of the Dead, traditionally celebrated on November first and second, sometimes extends to dates like October thirty-first or November sixth, depending on the locality. This vibrant multi-day holiday brings together family and friends to honor and remember their departed loved ones, creating a heartfelt and festive atmosphere filled with memories and respect. In Belize, the Mexican Institute has erected an altar to remember the dead.
Jose Francisco Zamora
Jose Francisco Zamora, Consular, Mexican Embassy
“ The idea of Dia de Los Muertos is that you have to believe that your ancestors, your friends, your relatives, every person you love that has passed away is not dead, they just continue their trip in another realm and they are going to be living forever, as long as you remember them. So the Dia de Los Muertos is a kind of remembrance is to remember to enjoy the life of your ancestors and your relatives and your loved ones and, according to the Hispanic tradition, on Dia de Los Muertos, they are allowed to leave the underworld or the heaven and come back to earth to spend time with their relatives and their loved ones. So that’s why we prepare the Altar de Los Muertos, as you can see, behind me. The altar has several elements, the most important, of course, is on the top. It’s the pictures of the people that you are dedicating the altar, they are usually your relatives or your grandmother, godmother or even your pets. So it’s the people you love or admire that have already started the trip to the eternal life, so you put the pictures to remember them. Then you have to put some special souvenirs, something that makes remembering them special and make you proud of them, for example, a medal if they used to do sports and they won a race and you keep the medal. Every time you look, you remember, “Oh, my grandpa was a very good athlete. So that’s an important element of the altar. And also, on the Dia de Los Muertos which is today and tomorrow, you have to put the food that they liked in life because the idea of the tradition is that their spirit is coming back and you are going to enjoy one more meal with them.”
With Halloween just around the corner, thrill-seekers and candy lovers alike are on the hunt for the ultimate tricks and treats. This year, those eager for a good scare or a dazzling show flocked to the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. On Sunday, it transformed into a hub of horror and wonder with the Boo at the Bliss Haunted Maze and Theatrical Experience. In this week’s episode of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Britney Gordon takes us on a tour through Belize’s very own spine-tingling spectacle.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
With Halloween just around the corner, children and adults worldwide are gearing up for the big day. But Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy; it’s a time for communities to come together and enjoy festive activities with a spooky twist. While Halloween may not be the most celebrated holiday in Belize, there are still a few events that families can enjoy together in the Halloween spirit. On Sunday, the Institute of Creative Arts and NICH teamed up to present a theatrical experience at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. Theater Director Jillian Fuller shares more about the “Boo at the Bliss” event.
Jillian Fuller
Jillian Fuller, Theater Director, Bliss Center for Performing Arts
“It’s called the Final Exit. When you enter, there’s a movie trail, and after that, we’ll take you on a trail on the stage, and that’s where you’re going to be seeing all different kinds of Horrific stuff.”
It was a symphony of lights, sounds, and textures as visitors were led through a maze filled with actors and visual effects. Fuller highlights that one of the most exciting aspects of the event is giving creatives a chance to showcase and test their skills, adding an extra layer of fun to the festivities.
Jillian Fuller
“For us here, it’s for our technicians to explore, come up with new ideas and do creative stuff. Yes, they are behind the scenes most of the times, but this is where they get to test their technical skills.”
Britney Gordon
“And how long did it take to create this entire exhibit basically and this experience?”
Jillian Fuller
“We were talking about it and let’s say maybe a week when we finalize everything and we’re putting them together.“
The Boo at the Bliss event began in 2023 and was brought back this year by popular demand. The doors opened at three p.m. but the line stretched around the corner long before visitors were welcomed inside. We spoke with twelve-year-old Ari Smith, a returning customer, while he waited to be let inside. He told us how excited he is to experience the thrill once again.
Britney Gordon
“What are you looking forward to?”
Ari Smith
Ari Smith, Visitor
“The thrill of the scares and also just the excitement going with my family.”
Britney Gordon
“You went last year?”
Ari Smith
“Yes, ma’am.”
Britney Gordon
“And what was the most exciting part about it last year?”
Ari Smith
“When we get to the middle and the fog was so thick that we never know whether front or back.”
Some visitors immersed themselves in the Halloween spirit and dressed for the occasion. Nine-year-old Noah felt no fear as he got into character.
Britney Gordon
“Are you feeling any scared at all?”
Noah
Noah, Visitor
“No.”
Britney Gordon
“Are you excited? What are you most excited for?”
Noah
“Nothing. I’m not excited. I’m just excited. I will just eat people.”
It began with a theatrical viewing of a horror show, setting the scene for visitors to be spooked. Then, they were guided through the haunted maze brimming with terrors at every corner.
Conner Ferguson
Conner Ferguson, Visitor
“It was, it was fun. Kind of scary.”
Britney Gordon
“But you had a good time, ultimately. What was the best part?”
Conner Ferguson
“It was good. The best part was when they were grabbing our foots and we didn’t realize. So, it was very scary.”
The Boo at the Bliss Haunted House was created with children in mind, but it received two thumbs up from parents as well.
Shane Henry
Shane Henry, Visitor
“It was excellent. I enjoyed it. It was my first time coming. We heard about it through Facebook. And then I saw a little clip on the news as well. But yeah, it was really worth it.”
Britney Gordon
“What was the best part of the experience?”
Shane Henry
“My son. He was petrified, but it was good. It was worth it.”
Britney Gordon
“Alright. So you think that is something that you’d bring back your family to next year”
Shane Henry
“Oh, definitely. I always encourage anything that the Niche team does and everything culture, you know, I represent music. This is just a different aspect of cultural and experience.”
If you missed this weekend’s experience, the Boo at the Bliss will be returning for an encore on Halloween night from six to eight p.m. Britney Gordon for News Five.
A network of Indigenous leaders from across the country recently convened for a dialogue to amplify their voices and address environmental issues in their indigenous spaces. Supported by the University of California, the event was held both online and in person at the Sir Colville N. Young Building in Belize City on Tuesday, featuring leaders from the Maya and Garifuna groups. The event highlighted the importance of including Indigenous voices in environmental policy discussions and urged policymakers to listen and involve them in decisions about their lands and resources. Here’s more from one of the leaders who attended. Garifuna Leader, Cynthia Ellis, told us more.
“This gathering is to presence the indigenous voices, the people whose voices that are often not heard, you know? The thing is that these people have for long been living in the on these lands and in these communities, and they have woken up sometimes and seen different projects and programs that are being developed in our space. And we have not been involved in the planning and implementation of these projects. So we are just presencing ourselves. Plan recommend themselves, and these plans say, Here I am to participate in my own development. We are having an indigenous peoples network, which includes Maya, Garifuna, Creole, and all these people who have an interest in upgrading and uplifting the spaces of our people. I’m talking the forest. I’m talking about Barranco, Hopkins, and Seine Bight; all these coastal communities where we have the situations of intense development, high-rise resorts, and all that kind of development, which often compromises the situation of our cultural way of life.”
