Children Spread Garifuna Heritage Across the World

This morning, a dozen children from a cultural group in Dangriga departed for Los Angeles to participate in the annual Garifuna Survival Day mass. This event allows Garifuna Communities from different countries to meet with each other and reflect on the shared history of their people. Before their flight, News Five’s Britney Gordon caught up with them at the airport for more details on this significant experience.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

On Sunday, Garifuna communities from all over the region will come together in Los Angeles for the eleventh Annual Garifuna Survival Day Memorial Mass. This event was created to honor, educate, and reflect on the exile of the Garinagu to Central America. A delegation from the Habayan Uwarani cultural group in Dangriga will be showcasing their talents, and thirteen-year-old JayMar Nicascio is thrilled to be a part of it.

 

JayMar Nicasio, Member, Habayan Uwarani

“We are going we are going to LA to participate in the annual Garifuna Survival Day Mass, and it’s celebrating two hundred and twenty-eight years of resilience and we just want to display the talent of the children of Dangriga.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So have you guys prepared anything specific to showcase? What exactly is that?”

 

JayMar Nicasio

“I believe we’ve prepared two or three dances and we have a lot of songs ready to sing and to share.”

 

Reporter

“And is this your first time going on a trip like this, as a group?”

 

JayMar Nicasio

“Yes. This is our first time traveling outside of the country with my group.”

 

The group, whose name means Children of Togetherness, is led by Clarene Castillo Alvarez. She took over after the passing of her mother, Margaret Castillo.

 

Clarene Castillo Alvarez, Director, Habayan Uwarani

“We have like twenty-five kids in this group, but we only brought twelve children in this trip and they’re very excited to be on this trip.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So how did this opportunity to participate in this convention in LA come to be where you guys contacted by someone?”

 

Clarene Castillo Alvarez

“Well, Mrs. Dorina, she’s the one who will contact the people from the Pablo Lembey Foundation and that’s why we’re on this trip today.”

 

JayMar says the group is alive with excitement as they get ready to celebrate their history and represent Belize. He feels truly honored to have this opportunity.

 

JayMar Nicasio

“It feels exciting because when I travel, I usually travel solo or with a parent. So it feels exciting traveling with my friends out of the group.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And to be a part of this group of young people that get to share their culture. How important is that to you to be able to carry on this part of yourself?”

 

JayMar Nicasio

“It’s very important to me. It is very important to me. It’s like my rock, My culture is my rock and it’s a thing that holds my identity together.”

 

Britney Gordon For News Five