Session I starts Sat. Jan. 30 thru March 20. Session II from April 10 thru May 29. Session III from June 12 thru Aug. 7. Session IV from Aug. 21 thru Oct. 16. Session V from Oct. 30 thru Dec. 18, 2010! We have added a Children's Class, a Beginner's Class and an Advanced Class. All of these classes will be offered in the morning at 10 am. The Drumming & Conversational Class will remain at 12 noon.
The Garifuna Spirituality Workshop held in Los Angeles on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010. Carlos Gotay - far left and Mrs. Anita Martinez - far right.
Wafadiri Tomas Cacho from Honduras in the black jacket - Padre Cacho en chaqueta negra. Nando Arzu from New York in the white shirt
HAMALALI GARINAGU: A Reflection on our Spirituality
GAHFU, Inc. wishes to thank the Pastoral Garifuna from St. Augustine Catholic Church, Our Lady of Mercy and St. Anthony of Padua all from New York, Father Tomas Cacho and Manuela Sabio from Honduras, The Garifuna Culture Group of Los Angeles, Mr. Ellis Cayetano's Garifuna Choir and Drummers, Buyei Mariano Gotay and Manuela Sabio, Dr. Cadrin E. Gill, Consul General of St. Vincent & The Granadines, Ruben Reyes for translating trilingually, all of our Drummers and Gayusas, Moha's Exedus Garifuna Social Club, DJ Alex from New York and Evo from LA, for their contributions to the success of the Garifuna Spirituality Workshop that took place all day Saturday, February 27, 2010.
The welcoming committee deserves a special mention for having done a good job in organizing a nice social mixer. Special thanks to Ka and Yolanda Gregorio for having hosted us at their residence with music, food and plenty of love. We could not forget Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Palacio for inviting Father Tomas Cacho, Manuela Sabio, Mariano Gotay, Ruben Reyes, Rony & Cheryl to a succulent lunch. We loved the fish, shrimp, panades and the casaba cake. We had an opportunity to discuss with Mr. Palacio the role of the Buyei in today's Garifuna society. Father Cacho and Ruben Reyes enlightened us with the discussion on angels, saints, and how they are identified in the Garifuna language.
People started arriving as early as 9:00 am and from there on it was non stop. We had not only the Belizean Garinagu but also Guatemalans and Hondurans. The workshop started with a beautiful Rosary prayed by all of the audience. It was followed by a panel discussion on the Garifuna Spirituality. The panel was made up of Buyeis, Messengers and representing the Catholic Church, Father Tomas Cacho. Panelists were given the opportunity to do a presentation about who they are and what their contributions to the Garifuna community are. Then, we opened the floor for questions and answers. Arnoldo Arzu from New York asked the first question about how a Buyei is initiated or how a person knows when someone has the calling to be one?
We all came to the conclusion that, we as Garinagu, should not feel ashamed of our spirituality and we should not leave our drums and our ancestors outside the doors of any church. Garifunaduaü is part of who we are and if we leave our ancestors and drums at the door, we will just be an empty soul - incomplete human being. The bible also says "Come as you are" and our Creator "Bungiu" put us on this earth as Garifuna. Father Cacho explained that it has not been easy for him as a priest to practice his Garifunaduaü but it's a work in progress. However, he said that the Vatican has been studying Garifunaduaü and they have learned to accept us as we are. He was questioned by his congregation in Trujillo about his partaking in a Dügü ceremony but his answer to them was that his Ancestors were calling him and he fulfilled the calling of the Ancestors by participating in the Dügü. He also emphasized that he is still learning more about Garifuna Spirituality. In this day and age, Garinagu have adopted many religious beliefs and we should learn from other nations that we should not allow religion to separate us as a people and as Garinagu. The workshop concluded with a feeling of solidarity and of mutual respect and understanding. A delicious lunch was served. A heavy downpour came upon us, it rained like it had never rained before as we left the building to go to Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church for the Thanksgiving Mass which started at 3:30 pm.
The mass was entirely in Garifuna and it was well attended. It lasted for two and a half hours but it did not feel like that because the Garfiuna choir was inspiring. It felt like a revival! My spirit was truly revived. In closing, this event would not have been a success without the collective work of all of the people who came to support and the people behind the scenes like the Gotay family. GAHFU, Inc. feels honored to have played a supporting role in this historical event. This was only the beginning, we still have a lot of work to do. We are not ready to let go of our ancestors. We are a people who are very much alive and with the help of our ancestors we shall overcome. Dr. Gill asked: "How can we bring the Garifuna Spirituality back to Yurumein?". The answer from the Buyei was that we don't have to bring it back to Yurumein. It's there! You just have to play our drums and our Ancestors will come to Yurumein!
The panelists: Ounagulei Jack Arzu and Freda Paulino (LA), Buyei Manuela Sabio (Hondruas) and Mariano Gotay (Guatemala), trilingual translator Ruben Reyes (LA) and Father Cacho from Honduras.
Miss Garifuna Heritage Arteshia Welch and Buyei Mariano Gotay during the Thanksgiving Mass at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Los Angeles.
The New York Garifuna Choir along with Guillermo Alvarez "Cuellar" and the Garifuna Drummers.
GAHFU, INC. PRESENTS GARIFUNA SPIRITUALITY WORKSHOP
Friday Feb. 26 7pm: Welcome to all of the delegations: Bronx and Brooklyn, NY, Labuga Livingston and Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Father Tamaü Cacho from Honduras and the Garifuna commuity of Los Angeles (Yolanda & Carlos Gregorio's House 253 West 47th Place @ Wall St. 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 3-day-event. (Yolanda & Carlos House)
SATURDAYFEB. 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, Honduras, 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 Garifunaduaü.
- 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 - 6:00pm Holy Mass offered by Father Cacho from Honduras with The International Garifuna Choir at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church located at 114 West 87th Street LA, CA 90003 corner of Main 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 (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 Snapdraggon Ln. Moreno Valley, CA 92557)
6pm - 12m Final and Good bye Social Mixer at Paps' Garage 2826 South Victoria Street Los Angeles, CA 90016 with the performance by Labuga's Guillermo Alvarez "Cuellar" from New York.
On Sunday, February 28, 2010, we all had a day of reflection by The Martinez Family from Labuga in Moreno Valley, CA. Mrs. Sabio, Cheryl L. Noralez, Father Tomas Cacho and Rony Figueroa.
Kenny Castillo Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán, Honduras Periodista independiente, enamorado de los temas de Justicia, Inclusión Social, Desarrollo Sostenible, Diversidad Cultural y todo lo que nos lleve a generar el cambio de este desplaneta tierra. Como periodista he hecho algunas cositas. Fui Periodista de la Asociación para una Sociedad más Justa ASJ/Hoduras. Miembro del Programa Día Clave de Radio América Honduras. Pero "Mi más apasionante experiencia fue haber lanzado al aire Mundo Afroh TV, primer programa especializado en cultura Afrohondureña". Fue alucinante. También manejo el área deportiva producto de mis 8 años de trabajo en diferentes periodicos. En la actualidad colaboro con varios medios y aquí tengo mi ventaníta para exponer criterios sobre el acontecer nacional e internacional.
Tegucigalpa, Honduras.- El escándalo más fresco heredado del golpe de Estado ha sido la concesión de la Represa Hidroeléctrica de Nacaome a un consorcio con nombre hondureño, pero que en realidad es italiano. Se trata de un negocio redondo mediante el cual el gobierno de Honduras traspasa la represa con posibilidad de generar al consorcio más de 650 millones de dólares (12 mil millones de lempiras) en 25 años, en cambio, el gobierno sólo obtendría 1 millón de lempiras al año. La diferencia es espantosa y pone al descubierto las nefastas costumbres de la administración pública.
El gran negocio emergió a la luz pública posiblemente por la infidencia, o por los innumerables rencores que dejan negocios de esa magnitud, lo cierto es que tras la voraz critica, el Congreso está a solo horas de corregir el entuerto y deducir responsabilidades a los culpables.
Desde hace varios años, la represa Hidroeléctrica de Nacaome es un diamante en bruto. El gobierno no ha sido capaz de sacarle el jugo debido, entre otras cosas, a la compra de energía térmica que venden los mismos de siempre. El gobierno prefiere comprar energía sucia a los poderosos, en vez de promover y rentabilizar sus proyectos de energía limpia.
Esta represa, Nacaome, ha contado con el financiamiento del gobierno de Italia, así de inteligentes, compatriotas de ellos se dieron cuenta y vinieron para usufructuarla. Como dicen por aquí unos a la bulla y otros a la cabuya. Sin duda esta trama contiene una larga trama de sobornos, por la forma ligera en que se aprobó en el Congreso y su publicación en el Diario Oficial La Gaceta, donde se hizo un doble tiraje para dar por hecho el negocio.
Pero no todo queda allí, hay miles de millones de dólares que la Cooperación Internacional debe invertir, todavía, para dejar la represa operable a su máxima expresión. A todo esto renunció el gobierno y es lo que los italianos quieren en sus bolsas. La concesión significa que todo ese dinero caerá en sus manos, además de la venta de energía y agua para riego y consumo humano para 90 comunidades.
Al igual que la represa de Nacaome, en perspectiva se encuentran una serie de proyectos. Los europeos vienen por nuestros recursos naturales. El archipiélago de los Cayos Cochinos ya lo tienen gracias a Rafael Leonardo Callejas, quieren las playas, las montañas, la fauna, las minas, el agua, el aire, los mares, los lagos y si hay petróleo. Publicado por Kenny Castillo Fernández en 3:48 PM1 comentarios Etiquetas: HONDURAS
PUNTA SOUL a film by Nyasha Laing
Pan African Film Festival in Culver City, CA featured the screening of Punta Soul documentary with a Garifuna showdown. Sidney Mejia and his drumming ensemble gave an opening performance which included bits of information on Garifuna culture and music. Aunt Martha's dancers and singers "gayusa", came to put the icing on the cake by putting up a colorful performance after the showing of the movie.
Punta Soul a film by Nyasha Laing "is the inter-generatinal story of an inspiring musical journey. Through its intimate and poignant portraits of Garifuna musicians such as Andy Palacio, it chronicals the evolution of popular Garifuna music from Belize...". The documentary shoows vintage and modern footage of the musical performances by the late Andy P, Pen Cayetano and the Turtle Shell Band, Herman"Chico" Ramos and the Sound City Band, Punta Rebels Band, Paul Nabor, Titiman Flores, Aurelio Martinez and Lugua Centeno. The filmmaker acknowledged that all of the footage that she shot while in Los Angeles was in 2006, was left out of the final cut due to several issues. One of the issues was that the musicians did not want to be part of this documentary and/or that some of the footage was not of enough good quality to make it to the final cut.
The film was so informative that it felt like it was too short but did deliver the message that Nyasha meant to convey. It would be appropriate to say that this film was made from the Belizean point of view and not from the Garifuna experience as a Nation. This does not take away from the quality and the message that it was intended to deliver. Ms Laing is a Belizean-American Criol young woman, raised in New York who bought her video camera and learned to use it as she went along with the film making. She traveled with Andy Palacio and the Garifuna Collective as Andy was awarded the WOMEX Award in Seville, Spain in 2008. It took her 3 years to complete the film which she edited in the Summer of 2008. Congratulations Nyasha Laing for such thoughtful documentary and for sharing with the world the contribution that the Garifuna people have made to humanity. I bought my Punta Soul DVD for $15 at the entrance of the theatre. GAHFU, Inc.
Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United Garifuna arts and culture Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United is dedicated to preserving the uniqueness of the Garifuna culture, history, language, music, arts & crafts, and spirituality by working closely with the Garifuna community Los Angeles County and throughout the world. They seek to enhance and showcase the image and vision of the Garifuna people through education, music, and the arts. And last but not least, our endeavor also includes to be able to properly channel the music, dance and the arts to the world. There is a strong, talented and artistically inclined group of Garifuna artists who are the lifeline of the Garifuna culture. This talent is in danger of being lost if not preserved and/or exposed properly.
The Garifuna - an indigenous people of the Caribbean - come from St. Vincent, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. Their language, an Arawak-based language, has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's endangered cultural assets.
The Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United received a grant from ACTA's Living Cultures Grants Program in 2009 to support their Garifuna Language and Culture School, an educational program that seeks to preserve and disseminate Garifuna culture and language in Southern California. Classes are held throughout the year for both children and adults; youth classes incorporate music, dance, and drumming into the curriculum.
Sustaining California's Living Heritage
December 16, 2009
Dear friends,
In the past eight years, the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA) has supported over 500 folk and traditional artists and organizations totaling $1.6 million that have worked to sustain our state's living cultural heritage, thanks to you and other supporters. Won't you help us reach 500 more? Can we count on your contribution of $250, $150, $50 or $25 or more, in support of our core programs? We welcome any amount you can give by visiting our online donation page - and we'll make sure your donation helps sustain our state's diverse living cultural heritage.
Here are just some of our most vital accomplishments from the past year:
Our Living Cultures Grants Program, which provides grants up to $7,500 to folk and traditional arts organizations with worthy projects, supported a record 49 projects. This past year the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation was awarded a $7,500 grant to broadcast, through a single microphone and computer, their weekly culture and language classes. The Garifuna - an indigenous people of the Caribbean - speak a language that has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's endangered cultural assets. The ACTA grant supported broadcasts to reach not only their own California community, but a wide range of listeners throughout the United States who tune in to their live Saturday morning class. One particular program reached 30,000 listeners! You can read more about the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation here.
Our Apprenticeship Program, our flagship program that contracts master artists to work with a qualified apprentice in a one-on-one period of intensive learning, supported 24 pairs - the most in our program's history! Thriving traditions supported through these apprenticeships reflect indigenous California cultural practices including Pomo, Western Mono, and Kawaiisu basketry and Kumeyaay plant knowledge; African-American traditions including quilting, dollmaking, and hambone; and art forms which have taken root in the United States thanks to California-based masters hailing from countries including Cuba, India, Guatemala, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Korea, Senegal, Japan, Guinea, and Tibet (including Master musician and songwriter in exile Techung, who participated in ACTA's 2009 Apprenticeship Program with his daughter, Yangchen Lhamo. You can read more about our Apprenticeship Program and the 2009 participants here. Our Traditional Arts Development Program, which provided 20 technical assistance contracts of up to $1,500 for mentorships that enable artists or organizations to reach the next level in their growth, supported the consultancy of a website designer for the Kawaiisu Cultural and Language Center, working to revitalize a native language that has very few speakers left. Read more about this project here. Our redesigned website, www.actaonline.org, now features more information and expanded sections on California's folk and traditional arts fields than ever before, including photos, slideshows, and videos. ACTA was featured in the California Community Foundation's Guide to Top-Performing Non-profits as one of three grantees profiled in the Fall 2009 issue for individual donors.Making a tax deductive donation to ACTA is simple through the Network for Good's DonateNow, a program that assists nonprofit groups with fundraising and offers a secure way for you to make your donation. Visit the online donation page.
Please join us in our work to sustain California's rich cultural heritage. Many thanks for your consideration of ACTA, and best wishes for a healthy and happy 2010!
Mabuiga! El dia Sabado 27 y Domingo 28 de Febrero del 2010, se llevará a cabo una Foro Educativo Catolico Garifuna. Este importante evento se celebrara en la ciudad de Los Angeles, California.
El proposito de este Foro es el de educar y evangelizar a la comunidad Garifuna de Los Angeles. El Garifuna, de por si, ya tiene una rica historia, cultura e idioma y creemos que con la bendicion de Dios, lograremos mantenerla intacta. Nuestra meta es la de preservar nuestra cultura y tradiciones atravez de programas de educacion y concientizacion y que mejor que hacerlo en una institucion tan importante como la Iglesia de Nuestra Madre de Los Dolores localizada en el 114 West 87th Street Los Angeles, CA 90003. El Foro se celebrara desde la bienvenida el dia Viernes 26, una ofrenda a los ancestros el dia Sabado 27 y un taller educativo concluyendo con una misa ofrecida por el Padre Tomas Cacho quien es nuestro invitado desde la Arquidiocesis de Honduras. El evento esta abierto al publico y es totalmente gratis. Otro aspecto importante de este evento es la participacion de La Pastoral Garifuna de Puerto Barrios y de Livingston, Izabal, Pastoral Garifuna San Antonio de Padua, Pastoral Garifuna San Agustin y la Hermandad Garifuna de La Verdad de New York.
Algunos de los talleres educativos que seran ofrecidos son: Espiritualidad Garifuna y Catoliscismo Garifuna. Esta cordialmente invitado a participar y su participacion seguramente hara de nuestro evento todo un exito. Recuerde que nadie esta recibiendo ni pagando ningun dinero por participar. Todos los gastos incurridos estan siendo sufragados por donaciones que recibimos de parte de individuos y gente Garifuna como usted. Nuestro compromiso es el de preservar y educar la cultura y espiritualidad Garifuna.
Seremein,
Cheryl Noralez Presidenta & Fundadora
- - - - - - - - - - -
October 2009: GAHFU's medical supplies donated to the Cancer Center in Dangriga Belize through their collection representative The Consulate General of Belize in Los Angeles, CA.
24 cases of medical supplies.
- - - - - - - - - -
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, September 28, 2009
The 5th Annual Garifuna Community Forum had a record-breaking attendance in Los Angeles. Cal State University Los Angeles hosted this year's event whose theme was "Preserving the Garifuna Legacy: Past, Present and Future". Students, in a university praised for being one of the most ethnically diverse, had a chance to have a close encounter with the Garifuna people of Central America.
"It's good to be part of history" said Jose who traveled all the way from Las Vegas, NV with his family and his sister who came from Atlanta and who booked his hotel room nearby; Jose is originally from the village of Cristales, Trujillo Honduras.
"We are only two days into the new quarter here at CSULA and we had a good turn out" commented Wuendy Zavala, Garifuna Forum Chairperson and a graduate student at this college. “We went from class to class to advertise the forum” she added. But the large majority of people who attended the forum were proud and concerned Garinagu who came with their families wearing their traditional clothes. Some came from as far north as Sacramento and even from New York.
The Honorable Vice Consul Designate of Belize, Ms. Pascasio, came to address the audience and she also presented the keynote speakers and presenters with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Belize Government for keeping the culture alive.
The Latin American Society, CSULA Chapter, also presented a Certificate of Appreciation to all keynote speakers including performers and organizers. Then it was the California State University Los Angeles' turn to present its own recognition awards.
The garifuna forum was an event that offered everything that it had advertised. The Wanaragua Dancers delighted young and old, Ali Allie's movie screening was highly acclaimed "El Espiritu De Mi Mama". He also announced his new project, a Garifuna trilogy series of movies to be shot on location in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and Los Angeles. Greg Palacio presented 9 beautiful oil paintings and delighted the audience with his PowerPoint presentation on the present and past work of other Garifuna artists from the Diaspora like Mr. Nicholas, Pen Cayetano and Mr. Browne from St. Vincent.
The Honorable Consul General of Yurumein, Dr. Cadrin E. Gill came to the forum with a powerful message from the Motherland and the vivid pictures of the "Vincy Homecoming 2009". He delighted the public with the enchanting scenery of St. Vincent's mountains and luscious beaches. We were able to appreciate the delegation which traveled from New York led by Mr. Jose Avila and The Garifuna Coalition.
Keynote speaker Professor Enita Lambey Barrett and her sister Ms. Anita Martinez made a powerful presentation; one on the Structure and Usage of the Garifuna Language and the other on the Garifuna Oral History from the Woman's Perspective. Professor Lambey shined as the forum kept going as she presented her research and she encouraged the Garifuna academia to come together and put all different works on the Garifuna language together. Ms. Martinez emphasized the importance that the oral history plays in the life of the Garinagu.
The history of the Garifuna could not be better presented to the audience than what Mr. Ruben Reyes did. He illustrated his recount of how Garinagu came about with a number of black and white and colored portraits of not only the Middle Passage, pre-garifuna history, to the actual wars sustained between the Garinagu and the British and consequently with the French. He introduced his version of the Garifuna Flag's Emblem as well as the breakdown on the interpretation of the Garifuna clock and the names used to describe a particular time of the day and night.
Sharron Williams Gelobter from Yurumein Law Firm made an informative presentation to a number of people who took advantage of her services as an immigration lawyer. Master drummer Carlos Domingo Alvarez led the Wanaragua Dancers with his drummers to a moving performance of a centuries old tradition. He also spoke about the need to "take matters into our own hands"; as Garinagu, he said "we need to take pride of who we are and what we do".
The Garifuna Writers Group led by Sidney Mejia and Brother Charles enchanted the audience with the reciting of a poem to the sound of the Garifuna drum. Angela Palacio shared information on nutrition and health and she put word out about her social network through her website www.apalacioexchange.com. Belizeanartist.com was represented by Stamina who took the opportunity to give away Wanaragua posters as well as CD's and DVD's produced by his label. Frank Palacio and Jacques Rallion presented their book "Middle Schoolin'" which was number 11 on Amazon.com last week. Buck Pastor and Ben Flores showcased Garifuna arts and crafts as well as cd and DVD’s. The former Consul General of Nicaragua Dr. Abaunza came as representative of Mass Mutual Financial Services and donated 10 cases of bottled water for all the people in attendance.
The live performances were the life of the forum because they came to reassure that the oral history, the music and the dance are still alive and well in the Garifuna community not only in the United States but also in Honduras, Belize and Guatemala and there is a lot of work to do in Nicaragua to bring it back.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to our ancestors to make it happen. We want to thank our keynote speakers, presenters, exhibitors, Vice Consul General of Belize, Cal State LA, Student Organizations, the GAHFU board of directors and staff; Helen Laurie and Nichole Martinez, as well as Wuendy Zavala, Garifuna Forum's Chairperson, for a very successful and well-managed 5th Annual Garifuna Community Forum. Thank you Lawrence Nuñez for the Garifuna food donated to the keynote speakers and presenter.
The DVD will be available through GAHFU's website and the celebrity pictures will be made available through the Garifuna Forum's official media personality Mr. Francis Estrada. GAHFU would like to congratulate Mr. Estrada for such terrific and important job of recording our history through film and pictures.
Yours truly;
GAHFU management
MISS GAHFU ARTESIA WELCH back in 2008 during the Drumming Class
Escucha la entrevista hecha a GAHFU hacerca del aviso de prensa con relacion al 5o. Foro Anual de La Comunidad Garifuna '09 a celebrarse en la Universidad del Estado de California, Los Angeles este Sabado, 26 de Septiembre del 2009 de 10 am a 6 pm. El evento es completamente gratis para estudiantes y el publico en general. Cupo limitado. Esta entrevista se llevo a cabo el Martes 28 de Juli200o del 2009 (Tuesday July 28 2009 9:30 pm)
FELIX IGEMERI MIRANDA, MBA
Saturday, July 25th, 2009 Los Angeles, California by GAHFU
Igemeri's presentation was an informative and successful event and the people who attended were delighted to find out what's behind his newly formed company. GAHFU's Garifuna Culture & Language School was proud to host Mr. Miranda's presentation of his new business venture www.garifunafabrics.com . As a recent retired employee of New York's MTA, he decided to invest into a Garifuna business that specializes in the designing, production and distribution of fabrics with Garifuna designs which include the traditional colors found in the flag: yellow, white and black. He is presently traveling the United States and Belize in order to network and identify possible partners for the effective distribution of this innovative fabrics. He himself designs the patterns, sends the sample to the manufacturer and in a few days the samples are back made into the final product for approval and production run. Igemeri also explained that it was very difficult for Garinagu in New York, especially around the 19th of November celebrations, to find the perfect fabric in these 3 colors that did not have to be sewn in order to make the traditional Garifuna outfits. Now, he has made it easier for the people to find the right fabric with the right colors that are printed with the Garifuna colors and come in different designs. For more information about Garifunafabrics.com you can contact Igemeri at (347) 262-4002.
SEBASTIAN CAYETANO VISTIS GAHFU'S GARIFUNA CULTURE AND LANGUAGE SCHOOL IN LA
On Saturday, July 25th 2009, Mr. Cayetano came to do a presentation about the Garifuna museum that he founded in Belize City: Luba Garifuna Cultural Museum located at 4202 Fern Lane St. Martin's Area Belize City Tel. 202-4331 email: luba_garifuna@yahoo.com
Mr. Cayetano opened a Museum in Belize City back in 1999, the name is "Luban Garifuna". He was co-founder and member of NGC (National Garifuna Council) in Belize for 28 years, speaks 6 languages. He was also the fouder of "Belize Half Hour" a radio program in the Garifuna language 1980 - 1992. President of the NGC Belize City Branch Educated in Canada: teacher. He was a teacher in Belize for 30 years. He is also the writer of the "Bicentenial Edition" of Garifuna History Language and Culture book.
The following are some of the materials that he brought for distribution regarding the museum:
LUBA GARIFUNA CULTURAL MUSEUM by Sebastian & Isabel Cayetano and Family 4202 Fern Lane St. Martin's Area Belize City, Central America.
Varios niños de la etnia Garífuna juegan en la playa. Foto: EFE.
Guatemala/EFE — La pobreza y abandono en que históricamente han vivido los negros guatemaltecos, la minoría étnica más pequeña de este país, denominada garífuna, los ha hecho cambiar sus natales comunidades del Caribe por el neoyorquino barrio del Bronx.
Delia Palacios, líder de las comunidades negras guatemaltecas y representante del pueblo garífuna ante la Comisión Presidencial contra la Discriminación y el Racismo contra los Pueblos Indígenas de Guatemala (CODISRA), asegura que “no es casualidad” que la mayoría haya emigrado hacia ese lugar.
“En el Bronx cohabitan, desde siempre, negros de todo el mundo. Eso, y que allí es a donde llegaron los primeros garífunas que migraron hacia Estados Unidos, es el principal motivo por el cual todos se instalan allí”, explicó Palacios a Efe.
Un estudio sobre “La Población garífuna migrante”, presentado esta semana por la CODISRA, asegura que los garífunas guatemaltecos “se han mudado al Bronx”.
Según Palacios, “cada vez hay menos garífunas” en Livingston, el punto del Caribe guatemalteco en el que se concentra la mayor parte de esa comunidad negra y cuya población también emigra hacia Estados Unidos,
"En Livingston, actualmente, se cuentan un total de 6,250 garífunas, mientras que en el Bronx, en Nueva York, hay más de 45,000, originarios de Guatemala", precisa.
Según el estudio, los garífunas guatemaltecos emigran a Nueva York porque allí obtienen “una identidad mayor” al relacionarse con afrodescendientes llegados de otras partes del mundo, “sin entrar en mayores detalles sobre su nacionalidad”, lo cual les permite pasar a formar parte de las múltiples nacionalidades que hay en la calle.
Los garífunas surgieron como resultado de la mezcla de esclavos africanos e indígenas mayas, y desde el siglo XVIII se expandieron por las zonas del Caribe de Belice, Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua. *Correccion (Africanos escapados de un barco que naufraga en las costas de San Vicente & Las Granadinas. Los Garinagu surgieron como resultado de la mezcla de Africanos con los indigenas Arawakos y Caribes de Las Antillas Menores y no los Mayas)
Livingston, la comunidad guatemalteca donde se concentra la mayor cantidad de ellos, es uno de los sitios turísticos más visitados por europeos y estadounidenses que, atraídos por la sensualidad, cultura y riquezas de sus pobladores, invaden sus playas todos los años.
Sin embargo, según el estudio, las enormes riquezas que producen las actividades turísticas en esa comunidad apenas si “salpican” a sus pobladores que, en su mayoría, forman parte del 51 por ciento de los 13.3 millones de guatemaltecos que viven en condiciones de pobreza.
Aunque en el Bronx los garífunas guatemaltecos pasan desapercibidos y se confunden con los millones de negros que habitan en ese sector, en la intimidad de sus hogares preservan su idioma, religión, costumbres y cultura.
“Al llegar a la cuadra que comparten con sus paisanos, y más aún, dentro de sus apartamentos, tienden un telón sobre la vida exterior y pasan a recrear el mundo correspondiente a su cultura”, precisa el estudio, realizado con el apoyo de la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional.
El idioma inglés, agrega el documento, “pasa a un segundo plano” y se establecen diálogos en garífuna “procurando además con esto la enseñanza de los jóvenes que nacen fuera de los poblados de origen”.
“En casa, con la charla viene la remembranza de los poblados de origen, se escucha música y se bailan ritmos tradicionales. Se procura todo aquello que establezca una relación con la cultura y las comunidades de origen”.
A pesar del endurecimiento de las políticas migratorias del gobierno estadounidense, los garífunas guatemaltecos “aún intentan alcanzar el sueño americano”, sin importar que ello signifique "afrontar un futuro que no se presenta esperanzador".
“Algunos autores pronostican que los garífunas terminarán absorbidos por la sociedad estadounidense y perderán todo contacto y relación con su comunidad de origen”, advierte el estudio.
Mujeres garífunas danzan durante una marcha. El Bronx es el principal centro de la inmigración garífuna desde sus inicios. Foto: EFE.
QUEST OF THE CARIB CANOE REVIEW
Quest of the Carib Canoe....Carib Indian artist and activist Jacob Frederick, and others from his community, sail nearly 1000 miles in a hand built canoe from their home on the island of Dominica in the British West Indies to South America in a voyage to rediscover their ancestral heritage. Director Eugene Jarecki generously donated this extremely rare film for presentation. Special guests for the evening include poet Kantuta and Cheryl Noralez of the Garifuna Heritage Foundation, an Indigenous organization in LA that focuses on the preservation of Carib and African roots!
(Sponsored in Association with the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Japanese American National Museum, SCIC-InterTribal Entertainment, Hecho de Mano, and Nahui Ohlin)
Bringing the Circle Together: A Native American Film Series is a FREE monthly film series located in downtown Los Angeles at the National Center for Preservation of Democracy. For More information on the film series please email nafilmseries@aol.com or visit www.bringingthecircletogether.com
The screening of the movie on Thursday, June 18th, 2009, was a moving event. The opening prayer was offered by Arufudahati Ruben Reyes (teacher) from Garifuna Culture & Language School. Little did I know that we were all going to be treated to a journey to the past, a spiritual journey especially for those who are familiar with the Garifuna oral history. After the prayer, we were all led inside the medium size theatre which seats around 200 people.
Once inside the venue, Kantuta a Native-American played her flute, read some beautiful poems and greeted the audience in both English and Spanish. Her message allowed me to enter a spiritual world, a peaceful cloud overtook me and I was, by know, liberated of all worries, nothing matter but what was about to happen then and there.
The Quest Of The Carib Canoe is a transcendental documentary that tells the story of a Carib man, Jacob Frederick, a craftsman, and his long time friend, a Tortolian Artist Aragorn Dick-Read who traveled to the island of Dominica. They decided to build a canoe the old fashion way. They built it from scratch and worked on it for days on. The idea was to trace back the route that the ancestors took from the Orinoco delta in South America through the Lesser Antilles until they arrived to what is now Dominica. Their ancestors are the Carib people who today still live the way they used to live in reservations around Venezuela and the Guyanas.
The entire journey took at least two years to make it a reality. The crew in charge of this monstrous project struggled with funding for the trip which included a film crew, traveling in a motor boat full of food, equipment and other supplies for the entire 800 mile trip from island to island. The named the small dugout boat that they built the “Gli Gli” which is a Carib work for a hawk. During the trip, the “Gli Gli” made stops in different islands where there are people descendants of the Carib Indians like St. Lucia, Martinique, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago until they reached mainland Venezuela and navigated into the Orinoco river.
Among the people in the audience watching the film, there were anthropologists, students, Native Americans and 3 Garinagu; Cheryl L. Noralez, Isani Figueroa and Ruben Reyes. As I sat in the front of the theater, I could see the audience captivated by the documentary. As for me, I felt the enjoyment of knowing that Cheryl, Isani and Ruben were fascinated and overjoyed by the idea of tracing back the path that their own people took during the time that the Caribs and the Arawaks ruled the Antilles. Both of these Amerindian tribes interacted and mixed and they eventually met with the Africans who had landed in St. Vincent & The Grenadines to give birth to the Garifuna.
Garinagu, today, still preserve their culture, language and music which they brought back from Yurumein (St. Vincent) as they were exiled by the British in 1797. They still chant the same songs they sang while in the motherland. Garinagu were a prosperous people in the island but as they were defeated by the British they were forced into exile. After their paramount chief Joseph Chatoyer was killed, the British gave the Garinagu a choice; either go into exile in Central America or stay in Yurumein and forget about their culture, language and food. Today, there are Garinagu living in reservations in St. Vincent who still remember who they are and want to reconnect, but unfortunately, they have lost their language which is the lifeline of the Garifuna culture. Now, thanks to the survival of the exiled Garinagu they have managed to keep their culture and language alive. There seems to be a renaissance and renewed interest by the Garinagu in Yurumein to be reaculturated and to reconnect with one another.
In conclusion, the Quest Of The Carib Canoe is a documentary that serves as a tool for the people of Carib descent to regain their identity, maintain their pride and honor their ancestors.
GARIFUNA CULTURE & LANGUAGE SCHOOL COMES ALIVE IN ITS 3RD SESSION FOR 2009
On Saturday, June 13, 2009, GAHFU’s Garifuna Culture and Language School started its third 8-week session of the year with a vibrant group of students. One new class was added for those interested in learning Garifuna Dance and the long awaited Drumming Class was brought back by popular demand.
The Garifuna community of Los Angeles young and old responded in numbers by attending our opening session. The Garifuna Culture and Language class started at 10:00 am and ended at12:00 noon followed by the Drumming and Conversational class and the Garifuna Dance classes from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. The Blazer Learning Center is the home of our school. The Blazer learning center is located at 1517 West 48th Street Los Angeles , CA 90062 (323) 898-6841. Thanks to the hard work that the teachers and staff have put into this project, we have been able to celebrate one year and three months at the Blazer location. GAHFU, Inc. would like to thank our Teachers and Founding Fathers Clifford Palacio, Sidney Mejia, Ruben Reyes, Carlos Domingo Alvarez, Melecio Gonzalez.. We also want to thank Mr. Benny Davenport, Carlton Davenport and the staff from The Blazer Learning Center for making this project possible. A big thanks goes to Nichole Martinez our Secretary and to Ms. Helen Laurie, Community Liaison. In addition, our gratitude goes to our funding source The Alliance for California Traditional Arts. We couldn’t forget the people who have given their donations through our website www..garifunaheritagefoundation.org.
Arufudahati Ruben Reyes is so dedicated to this noble cause that he has spearheaded the opening of a Garifuna Museum on site. The Garifuna Museum is planning to have not only Garifuna artifacts but also books, photos and any other valuable objects that can be displayed to the public. So far, Juan Martinez has taken it upon himself to build a life size Wanaragua dancer dressed with an attire that was tailored in Honduras . For more information about the Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles and if you are interested in donating or lending a piece that can be displayed, you can contact Mr. Reyes (323) 864-1007.
We would like to share some of the pictures taken during our grand opening of our third session for 2009. If you are interested in attending classes, please contact GAHFU, Inc. Please make a donation! Your kind contribution will play a vital role in preserving the Garifuna legacy and help us make this project grow and reach out to more people.
GARIFUNA DANCING LESSONS
Felix Gamboa: Born in Santa Rosa de Aguan in Honduras many people know me through Wanichigu Dance company, Nuwani Dance company some may know me through Garifuna International Band.a couple of month back I sent a flyer thought this network that said: Coming to the Bronx expressing my interest in having dance classes in the Bronx, however I had difficulties finding a place that would be accessible to our people. I have now found a very centric and well known location at 125 street in the famous Harlem. classes are being held at ADAM CLAYTON POWELL JR. STATE BUILDINGLocated at 163 west 125 street. Third floor every Tuesday from 7:pm to 9:pm Classes are completely free throughout this whole month of June.Classes are already in progress Next class is Tuesday June 2nd Come send your children or come all...Lets burn some calories this summer with BODOMA explosive drums. If further information is needed you may email your inquires to gamboafelix@yahoo.comor call 917 319 6478
LEARN GARIFUNA THROUGH GARIFUNA CLASSES IN NEW YORK AREA:
VISIT OUR BLOG AT Honduransagainstaids.blogspot.com
Session I starts Sat. Jan. 30 thru March 20. Session II from April 10 thru May 29. Session III from June 12 thru Aug. 7. Session IV from Aug. 21 thru Oct. 16. Session V from Oct. 30 thru Dec. 18, 2010! We have added a Children's Class, a Beginner's Class and an Advanced Class. All of these classes will be offered in the morning at 10 am. The Drumming & Conversational Class will remain at 12 noon.
ABUYABA - GARIFUNA TEMPLE This is the Dabuyaba located in Quehueche - Chewecha Livingston, La Buga Guatemala. This structure is where the Garifuna spirituality comes alive. Fermin is trying to get the temple recognized by the Catholic Church in Guatemala. He has already taken the initial steps to meet and discuss with the clergy in the area the future of this House of Prayer. If you are interested in contacting Fermin Arzu to help continue the work he is doing in La Buga, please feel free to call him at (347) 604-2827. This picture was taken on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 and it shows the front side of the Dabuyaba which also has a Gayusa quarters, a Drummers quarters, bathrooms and kitchen. The temple is also equipped with electricity and its own water well and electric water pump.
This picture shows the inside of the Dabuyaba looking to the front entrance door towards the Caribbean Sea. You can notice the three drums used during the ceremony of the DUGU.
The Drums.
Fermin Arzu as he discusses his plans for the Dabuyaba with Cheryl L. Noralez and Rony Figueroa.
Carta del Dr. Luther Castillo al Presidente de Hondurasdurante la celebracion del mes de la Herencia Africana:
Excelentísimo Sr. Presidente de la República Manuel Zelaya Rosales.
Compañeros y compañeras, líderes Garífunas herederos de Satuyé y Barauda.
Hermanos y hermanas que nos abrazan con su calor desde cada una de las comunidades Garífunas de nuestro país.
Hoy en esta histórica Bahía de Trujillo donde yace la sangre de nuestros ancestros reivindicamos el sudor y el esfuerzo de aquellos que día a día luchamos por enaltecerla.
En el marco glorioso del Mes de la Herencia Africana conmemoramos un año más en que esta tierra fue bendita. Bendita porque hace mas de dos siglos pisó su suelo la planta africana trayendo consigo la Riqueza que hoy la engalana.
Hoy a 212 años, nuestros mismos tambores símbolo de la resistencia, armas poderosas de lucha, nos convocan impostergablemente a una profunda reflexión de nuestra realidad histórica.
El espíritu de nuestros ancestros nos ordena hoy reorientar la conducción del destino de nuestro pueblo, a retomar el verdadero liderazgo de Satuyé y Barauda.
Un liderazgo capaz de diferenciar la plática de la práctica, ineludiblemente vinculada en el pueblo, por el pueblo y para el pueblo. Y no los pseudos liderazgo a control remoto ejercido desde la comodidad de las grandes ciudades, totalmente desvinculado de la realidad cotidiana de una comunidad que se desangra y agoniza ante la pérdida sistemática de sus valores espirituales y culturales.
Satuyé y Barauda nos heredaron un liderazgo huérfano de intereses mezquinos y de ambiciones personales, cultura crustácea perpetuada por un sistema que con migajas nos dividen y luego con una desfachatez impúdica nos demandan y nos llaman a la unidad.
Hoy nuestro pueblo es víctima de un seudo liderazgo importado de modelos occidentales, convertidos en instrumentos de destrucción, división, efervescencia de pequeños conflictos, dirigidos a debilitar la armonía, la paz y la convivencia solidaria heredada por Satuyé y Barauda.
Los impostores que pretenden imitar, sepan que la imitación es el culto que le rinde la mediocridad al talento.
Hoy desde esta trinchera cívica, de manera categórica les hago entrega del mensaje enviado por Satuyé, Barauda y Nuestros Ancestros a todos aquellos oportunistas, traficantes de la miseria de nuestro pueblo; Sus acciones No prevalecerán.
De igual manera nuestros ancestros nos hacen un llamado a la juventud a asumir nuestro verdadero papel en este momento histórico, en cambiar todo lo que debe ser cambiado, con igualdad y libertad plena, emanciparnos por nosotros mismos y con nuestros propios esfuerzos, desafiando poderosas fuerzas dominantes dentro y fuera del ámbito social, defendiendo valores en los que se cree el precio de cualquier sacrificio, con modestia, desinterés, altruismo, solidaridad y heroísmo, luchando con audacia, inteligencia y realismo. Sin mentir jamás principios éticos, con una convicción profunda que no existe fuerza en el mundo capaz de aplastar la fuerza de la verdad y las ideas, dispuestos a luchar por nuestra unidad, independencia, luchar por nuestros sueños de justicia para Honduras y para el mundo, que es la base de nuestro patriotismo, conscientes hoy mas que nunca de nuestro verdadero concepto de Patria, no es el amor ridículo a la hierva de la tierra que pisan nuestras plantas, es el odio invencible a quien la oprime y al rencor eterno a quien la ataca.
Barauda viva en el espíritu de nuestras mujeres Garífunas de hoy, nos exige Hoy como aquella airada tarde en San Vicente que instiga a Satuyé a la acción cuando firmemente le recrimina diciéndole: “Hagadeiruñein alunduna wachari ani manigitibu lun bereguniña, runoun nigundun bun bichigoumen bigalasun nun ñindunamuga erereguaña” que traducido al español significa lo siguiente: “Los ingleses están destruyendo nuestros cultivos y no tienes el valor de hacerles la guerra, dame tus pantalones y te daré mis faldas que yo iré a hacerles la guerra”.
Es el mismo llamado enérgico que Barauda nos hace hoy, para que con valentía defendamos nuestro derecho a la vida manifestada en todas sus expresiones: salud, desarrollo, cultura y una educación propia, enmarcado en nuestro contexto cultural que nos permita forjar nuestro propio destino. Concepto que no entiende el Ministro de Educación Marlon Brevé, que se ha convertido en el mayor enemigo de la educación intercultural bilingüe, que no hemos ido tras él como pueblo porque no queremos emborronar arpías.
Hoy sumamos 212 años de que como Cultura propiamente dicha, llevamos transitando el camino de la resistencia. 212 años luchando contra el olvido y la indiferencia.
Pero hoy un Espíritu de cambio transita por el mundo y la inclusión en el desarrollo, ya no es solo un Derecho de los pueblos, sino un deber de todo negro latinoamericano.
Reconocer en todo tiempo que no somos objetos, sino sujetos de pensamiento activo en el Estado de Derecho que conformamos.
Hemos tenido que alzar la voz para trascender la sordera de aquellos que están hipoacúsicos, porque no quieren oír, ignorando que nuestra diversidad cultural es una riqueza reconocida y declarada así por la UNESCO como “ La Obra Maestra del Patrimonio Real e Intangible de la Humanidad ”.
La Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU) en su afán de garantizar los derechos, que por nuestra simple condición de humanos debemos gozar; ha creado los espacios para que todo hombre y mujer, para que niño y niña tenga el pleno derecho de aprender a leer y a escribir en su propia lengua, estudiar su propia cultura, y a ser consciente de su historia de como parte de una civilización ha traído consigo en su viaje ancestral desde otro continente.
Cultura es la respuesta a la pregunta que cualquiera se formule en torno al sentimiento que como Garífunas compartimos.
Cultura es la fuerza que nos da el sustento, es la acción, es nuestra Filosofía y el poder de nuestro pensamiento.
Cultura es el resultado de nuestro proceso histórico y suma total del legado de nuestros ancestros.
Y en nombre de esa Cultura jamás acostumbrada a callar, que hoy unimos nuestra voz a los Organismos Internacionales para que sean aplicadas las leyes y respetados íntegramente los convenios que garantizan la protección y el derecho a los pueblos indígenas y negros.
La Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT), declara en su Convenio 169 de que “los pueblos tienen el derecho inalienable de desarrollarse en el ámbito de la Salud , Educación y en cualquier aspecto político-social, teniendo el Estado la obligación de garantizar el respeto y el no atropello a su lengua y a su práctica cultural”.
Con admiración hemos visto como por primera vez un presidente de esta Nación, ha mantenido las posturas mas dignas no solamente históricas sino mas bien prácticas, en cuanto a temas de Derechos Humanos para Honduras y para toda América Latina.
Sr. Presidente:
Lo vimos con orgullo discursar en el podio de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas y condenar categóricamente el bloqueo impuesto por mas de 50 años a la hermana República de Cuba.
Lo vimos con la dignidad de un verdadero líder que reconoce que Honduras es un país con múltiples necesidades, pero que no esta dispuesto a vender la conciencia a aquellos Organismos que ofrecen ayudas y ponen mil condiciones para recibirlas.
Hoy.. Lo acompañamos en su lucha contra aquellos oligarcas de pensamiento anquilosado, que anteponen sus intereses mezquinos al bien común de un pueblo que busca la participación social y la igualdad de condiciones para todos y el respeto a su voluntad en la toma de decisiones.
Hace pocos días, disfrutamos verlo en una exclusiva entrevista en UNIVISION, respondiendo con inteligencia y elocuencia ante las interrogantes insinuantes y prefabricadas de un periodismo que responde a los intereses de la oligarquía.
La verdad nos sentimos muy orgullosos de sus respuestas.
Hoy.. Lo acompañamos y defendemos con ahínco y gallardía su propuesta a la cuarta urna, este momento histórico nos demanda una verdadera reforma constitucional con participación social que represente los verdaderos intereses de nuestro sufrido y marginado pueblo.
Cuál es el temor y el pánico de aquellos que nos llaman cada cuatro años a votar por los mismos, a que como pueblo también tengamos el sagrado derecho a evaluarlos y revocarlos cuando éstos se desvíen de la defensa de los intereses del pueblo que los eligió?. El que nada debe nada teme.
A nosotros.. Garífunas, jamás se nos ha cedido los espacios y no lo lamentamos, porque es gracias a esta condición Social que hemos aprendido con tenacidad a conquistarlos.
Sin embargo Señor Presidente, le abrimos a usted un espacio para que en él pueda marcar unas líneas de esto que es historia en desarrollo y que hemos denominado como el único y viable “Modelo de Salud Alternativo para los Países en Vías de desarrollo”.
En la creación de este modelo, queremos subrayar el papel trascendental de la solidaridad del Pueblo Cubano, que después del Huracán Mitch, abrió sus puertas para que jóvenes Garífunas pudieran formarse como Médicos y así combatir un huracán mucho mas fuerte y prolongado que tenía postrado el sistema de Salud en las Comunidades Garífunas de tierra adentro, cuya población no figuraba en los mapas de prioridades de aquellos que tenían el deber de proveer algo tan humano como es el derecho a la salud y a la vida.
Aquellos jóvenes que un día viajaron a Cuba con la maleta hinchada de ilusiones son los que han tenido la gallardía de volver a nuestra gente, a nuestra tierra que es al fin de cuentas lo que somos y construir lo que para otros era un sueño de nostálgicos, pero para nosotros es un deber impostergable: “El Primer Hospital Popular Garífuna de Honduras” en la Comunidad de Ciriboya, que a dos años de su fundación hemos brindado mas de 150 mil consultas gratuitas. Hemos vuelto práctico el concepto de accesibilidad a la salud, que no se trata de pavimentar una calle para que el paciente pueda llegar al médico, sino surcar y hacer todos los caminos posibles para que el médico pueda llegar al paciente. Hemos insertado el concepto de Cultura en la Medicina , porque en nuestra condición de Garífunas entendemos como algo que va mas allá del razonamiento.. que Cultura es Salud.
Y salud integra un conjunto de elementos, biológicos, psicológicos, sociales, económicos y culturales.
Reafirmamos como Bio-Psico-Socio-Culturales que su No integración retroalimenta la perpetuidad que hoy sus propios inventores, han tenido que reconocer ante la opinión pública mundial su total ineficacia y fracaso, vendedor de “la muerte y mutilación por causas simples de una realidad cotidiana”.
Hoy Médicos de Ciencia y Consciencia, reescriben la historia de Nuestros Pueblos inspirados en el Dr. Alfonso Lacayo Sánchez , Primer Médico Garífuna egresado de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, después de 118 años de su fundación.
Esta abismal espera ha llegado a su fin, el mundo nos ha dado lección del siglo: Que la inclusión es posible y que el respeto a la diversidad cultural debe ser la regla y el patrón a seguir, donde Honduras no puede ni bebe ser la excepción.
Dejamos sentadas las bases de este nuevo modelo de salud alternativo para los países en vías de desarrollo. Un modelo que es nuestro, que no es copiado de otro país, que en nada se parece a nosotros y que es funcional por la simple razón, que nació en la necesidad de servir a nuestros pueblos y engrandecer a nuestra patria.
En este modelo de Salud le hemos cedido el espacio a usted Señor Presidente para que hagamos Patria.
Hermanos y hermanas hagamos Patria! Porque si no la historia nos condenará! Porque no en vano un hombre escribió: Patria o Muerte! Venceremos…
Que es lo que le depara a grupo de baile Wanaragua de Los Angeles? Este año nuevamente tuvimos la oportunidad de disfrutar en familia del baile tradicional del Wanaragua, tambien conocido como mascaro y Jankunu en toda la region centroamericana donde habitan los Garifunas. El grupo de jovenes y personas adultas que con su altruismo y civismo cultural dedican su tiempo cada año a la ardua tarea de bailar el tradicional baile netamente garifuna, lo hacen no solamente por el amor a su cultura sino tambien porque les asegura un futuro muy brillante en cuanto a la preservacion de sus tradiciones en la tierra del Tio Sam.
En esta Navidad del 2008, se vio una vez mas el esplendor de su arte tan delicado que solamente un ojo bien entrenado en el conocimiento verdadero del significado de los movientos observados en los danzantes del Wanaragua, podria apreciar. El baile del Wanaragua no es solamente una serie de movimientos de piernas, cadera, brazos y cabeza sino un mensaje que comunica el ejecutante a la persona que toca con mucha gracia y eficacia el tambor garifuna conocido como “primera”. En este baile ritual, la persona que esta bailando Wanaragua es la que dicta al tamborista como tocar. Un redoble, un doble redoble o un toque en seco que indica que el Wanaragua esta al mando. El Garawun -drummer- mira con exactitud y gracia a las piernas del Wanaragua para poder contestar sus ordenes de movimiento.
El jefe de los wanaragua es conocido como Abuti. El Abuti del grupo de Wanaragua en Los Angeles es el Sr. Flavio Alvarez “Paps”. Flavio me cuenta que por tradicion el ya trae el llamado para esto. Su padre fue uno de los mejores danzarines del Wanaragua en Livingston, Izabal. El me cuenta con una voz melancolica y llena de orgullo que su padre no le permitia verlo cuando el se estaba vistiendo con su atuendo muy llamativo, multicolor semejando el vestido de una mujer. “Mi padre no me dejaba ni bailar con ellos ni mucho menos tocar su atuendo, era algo muy sagrado y especial que solo los adultos podian ejercer.” De alli es donde viene el llamado de los ancestros de Paps quienes han encomendado tan ardua tarea que se celebra en Los Angeles, California cada 25 de Diciembre y cada primero de Enero con motivo de la Navidad y Año Nuevo respectivamente.
En este articulo que escribo no me quiero meter mucho en detalles en cuanto a lo que respecta al baile Wanaragua, para eso les recomiendo comprar y ver el dvd del documental llamado “Play Jankunu, Play” realizado por el Dr. Oliver Greene de la Universidad del Estado de Georgia. Mi preocupacion en dedicar un momento es escribir esta nota desde la comodidad de mi hogar y desde el teclado de la computadora, es para hacer la pregunta: Quien podra continuar el tradicional baile de Wanaragua el dia en que Paps ya no este? Como lo expresa el finado Andy Palacio en su cancion; Kaba funa san añuga wabute amuñegu, Kaba funa san ayanuha Garifuna numa amuñegu, Kaba funa san arumaha numa o amuñegu, Kaba funa san aduguraha wau o amuñegu? En otras palabras: “contenplando el futuro y el potencial declive de la cultura Garifuna, Andy expresa su preocupacion y hace un llamado a la preservacion de la cultura. Desde ese entonces, se ha desencadenado un renacimiento y ha despertado un interes especial para la reviver el idioma Garifuna, el cual por muchos años ha sido ignorado por los sistemas educativos.” Tomado del album Watina.
Tan asi juega un papel importante el ya tradicional baile de Wanaragua, que con mas de sus 15 años ya ha logrado deleitar a jovenes, niños, adultos, Garifuna, ladinos, blancos y aun negros americanos en Los Angeles. Tan asi de importante se ha vuelto esta tradicion que este año se tuvo un invitado especial que viajo desde Chicago, para tener el honor de ser parte del ensamble. Este hombre que viajo desde Chicago, se identifico como oriundo de Dangriga y de una familia netamente de Wanaraguas. Fue recibido con brazos abiertos y con mucha pompa y circumstancia pues no solamente vino a enriquecer al grupo de danza, sino tambien le vino a brindar un toque de resonancia y respeto. En años anteriores se han integrado niños con sus padres que han viajado desde Nueva York con exclusividad para participar en este evento.
La Dra. Michele Goldwasser, quien por mucho tiempo ya ha seguido muy de cerca estas tradiciones en el area de Los Angeles, se ofrecio como voluntaria para preparar una “Grant” que es una beca monetaria para fomentar las culturas en peligro de extincion. El tradicional Wanaragua, cuenta la batalla que sostuvo la comunidad Garifuna de San Vicente - Yurumein - contra los invasores Ingleses. Segun la historia transmitida verbalmente de generacion en generacion, los hombres se vistieron en atuendos de mujer para sorprender al ejercito invasor que queria despojarlos de sus tierras. Los Garifunas notaron que los Ingleses solo atacaban a los hombres y no asi a las mujeres lo cual fue una estrategia utilizado por los hombres para repeler el ataque. Clara que hay otras variaciones de esta historia lo cual invita al dialogo.
Entonces regresando al tema principal, sera que los jovenes Garifunas, estas nuevas generaciones que ya estan reemplazando a muchos de nosotros, estan preparados para lograr mantener esta tradicion? Sera que los jovenes no se interesan mucho en mantener su cultura y sus costumbres en America? Yo miro un futuro muy incierto para la comunidad Garifuna en Estados Unidos. En realidad me doy cuenta que aunque algunos niños participan como miembros del Wanaragua, yo no veo esa transicion. Espero que este equivocado! Pero me concierne como padre de familia y como padre de un niño Garifuna, de que se haga algo al respecto. Quien llevara la espada el dia en que Abuti ya no este? Quien podra tomar el tiempo para reunir a Garinagu de todas nacionalidades para que vayan a ensayar a su casa desde principios del mes de Noviembre de cada año para que esta constitucion fisica este optima para el baile? El baile Wanaragua require de mucha coordinacion, estamina y buena condicion fisica. Donde estaran los jovenes que vendran a tomar mando? Quien les confeccionara el traje de Wanaragua? Quien les hara las mascaras que con su colo rosado y pintas de labios y ojos cubren el rostro de los que lo bailan? Quien les cantara las canciones que solo las Gayusas saben?
Gracias por su atencion y tomemos un momento para reflexionar un poco en estos dias de Fedu de celebracion.
Jobo, DJ Labuga & Mohubob Flores at Umalali Studios in Los Angeles, California during the 19th of November 2008.
GARIFUNA CLOCK designed by Ruben ReyeGarifuna Historian and Teacher at GAHFU's Culture and Language School in Los Angeles. Make your donation to GAHFU between now and November 15, 2008 to help pay for the delivery of an ambulance fully equiped to the hospital in Ciriboya, Colon Honduras and you will be selected among all of the people who donate to be awarded one beautiful, giant, Garifuna Clock that can decorate your livingroom. Make sure you mention that your donation goes towards the ambulance shipped to Honduras. *Reloj Garifuna diseñado por Ruben Reyes, historiador y maestro de nuestra escuela en Los Angeles. Haga su donacion y participe en llevarse a casa este reloj gigante para la pared de su casa. Cuando done, favor de mencionar que su donacion va hacia los gastos de envio de la ambulancia al hospital de Ciriboya, Colon Honduras. Su donacion le dara la oportunidad de llevarse este reloj entre las fechas de Octubre 23 hasta Noviembre 15, 2008.
Check out the photo album. Sponsored by The Blazer Learning Center home of GAHFU's Garifuna Culture and Language School. Pinche la foto para ver el album de la presentacion en la Universidad de Northridge.
Click on the picture to see the album. Sponsored by The Blazer Learning Center home of GAHFU's Garifuna Culture and Language School. Pinche la foto para ver el album de la presentacion en la Universidad de Northridge.
Orange County California 10-19-08,
Hermanos(as), Es un alto privilegio para mi en tomar unos momentos con el permiso de los hermanos Ruben Reyes y Clifford Palacio, estos honorables profesores en educacion del idioma garifuna y al mismo tiempo lideres internacionales comunitarios internacionales respectivamente, para informarles sobre algunos acontecimientos que llevaron acabo este fin de semana.
Indudablemente que las cosas que suceden son motivados por una causa, y de logica, tienen un fin especifico y particular en las mayoria de veces. La emocionante y motivadora fresca brisa de la iniciativa o movimiento de un nuevo amanecer, ya se siente agradable en la Cal State University Northridge en el condado de Los Angeles, al igual que en Soka University of America en Orange County, California. Con la ayuda de la profesora Sarah England, PhD, en la rama de antropologia y el profesor Thomas Crowder, PhD, en la rama de Humanidades, me presentaron como miembro de la etnia Garifuna; Bernardo Guerrero (King Hordin Hihihi), para dictar una charla relacionado a la historia de la Nacion Garifuna, por el termino de una hora. Cabe decir que los mas de 33 alumnos que asistieron a la charla, hicieron preguntas relacionadas al tema, al mismo tiempo quedaron muy agradecidos y con mas interes de seguir aprendiendo de la Nacion Garifuna.
De igual manera se llevo a cabo en la Cal State University Northridge. Alli asistieron los alumnos que estan aprendiendo el idioma garifuna en la escuela de GAHFU, dirigido por los profesores Ruben Reyes y Clifford Palacio. La escuela GAHFU esta compuesta de ninos, jovenes, adultos y personas de la tercera edad ( Emenecia Harry), abuela del hermano Ruben. La senora Harry quedo super satisfecha por asistir a tan trascendental acontecimiento. Ella agrego de que ahora ella estara participando cada sabado como alumna en la escuela de cultura y lenguage Garifuna y al mismo tiempo motivando a mas personas que deceen aprender el idioma. Asi tambien asistieron alumnos del grupo CAUSA (Central American United Student Asociation) de la universidad. Tambien estuvo el profesor Clifford Palacio quien dio una catedras sobre el pronunciamiento, escritura, diferenciaciones y como se debe de hablar el idioma garifuna. El profesor Ruben Reyes dio una amplia exposicion audivisual y literaria sobre el trafico de negros africanos en embarcaciones como esclavos.
Durante la presentacion hubieron mas de 60 personas presente entre estudiantes universitarios, estudiantes de la escuela GAHFU y otros invitados especiales. La audiencia logro hacer una o dos preguntas sobre el tema de la migracion Garifuna desde Yurumein hasta tierras Centroamericanas. Al final, los miembros de la universidad pronunciaron su satisfaccion y ofrecieron su colaboracion para que en cualquier momento que se les necesite, los utilicemos como apoyo educativo y de intercambio socio-cultural. Ellos se prestaron muy atentos para hacer mas grande esta iniciativa de hacercar a la gente Garifuna a las aulas universitarias.
Para terminar, lo mas importante de todo esto es que ninguno de estos dos profesores Ruben vReyes ni Clifford Palacio, devengaron o cobraron ni un centavo por su presencia. La presentacion fue de mucho valor sin duda. Es importante tambien notar de que cada sabado el Sr. Reyes tanto como el Sr. Palacio prestan sus servicios como mestros voluntarios para impartir su conocimiento a los interesados. Las clases son de la ensenanza del idioma Garifuna. Felicidades profesores ejemplares! Felicidades alumnos perservantes! ''SUNGUBEI EIBUGUNI WABARUAGUN NI LUN WADIGIAGUN WARIGOUN'' ''NADA HEMOS PERDIDO LO UNICO QUE HEMOS PERDIDO ES EL TIEMPO COMO NACION GARINAGU'' ''WE DISERE TO FIGTH FOR OUR LAND, IDENTITY, DIGNITY, CULTURE AND ECONIMIC EMPOWERMENT, BECAUSE THE IDEA WERE HANDED DOWN TO US BY OUR ANCESTORS'' Att; King Hordin Hihihi
GAHFU, Inc. Presents COFECA's 25st Annual Central American Parade LA 2008
"Agudahei Wagucha" "Keeping Our Culture Alive" "Manteniendo Nuestra Cultura Viva"
Pictures courtesy of Francis Estrada. Thanks to Martha Martinez's Garifuna Culture Group
The parade was celebrated on Sunday, September 21st from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. It started on the corners of Pico Blvd. and Vermont Avenue and it ended at McArthur Park where there was music, food, arts and crafts and a 3-day street festival. GAHFU, Inc. would like to thank the Garifuna community for having supported and marched with our float.
Mas fotos del famoso desfile Centroamericano que se celebro el Domingo 21 de Septiember del '08 en las calles y avenidas del centro de Los Angeles, CA. GAHFU, Inc. participo con su carroza alegorica con su tema "Agudahei Wagucha" "Manteniendo Nuestra Cultura Viva"
GAHFU's preliminary drawing of the float that will be built by Garinagu in Los Angeles to participate in the 25th Anniversary of the Centrall American Independence Parade in Los Angeles, California. This year's GAHFU's theme is: "Agudahei Wagucha" "Keeping our culture alive" "Manteniendo nuestra cultura viva"
Agudahei Wagucha
Garifuna Women's Project to honor Andy PalacioSofia and Silvia Blanco, and Desere Diego will headline a tribute in downtown L.A.By Agustin Gurza, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer August 29, 2008
Garifuna Women's Project to honor Andy PalacioSofia and Silvia Blanco, and Desere Diego will headline a tribute in downtown L.A.By Agustin Gurza, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer August 29, 2008
LOS ANGELES TIMES ARTICLE AUG. 29, 2008 - Click on the picture to go to the article from LA Times
Garifuna Women's Project to honor Andy PalacioSofia and Silvia Blanco, and Desere Diego will headline a tribute in downtown L.A.By Agustin Gurza, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer August 29, 2008 Celebrities die every day and pop culture quickly moves on. But for the Garifuna people, descendants of shipwrecked slaves whose culture extends through Belize, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, world-music sensation Andy Palacio was more than a star. The Belize native, who suffered a fatal heart attack and stroke at the age of 47 in January, was the soul of a culture that many feared had been close to extinction before he committed himself to its rescue and renewal.
Palacio will be the subject of a special musical tribute today at California Plaza in downtown Los Angeles, with members of the Garifuna Collective paying homage to his talent as part of the free Grand Performances series.
"We're very curious ourselves, honestly, to see what effect [Palacio's death] will have on the group," said Dean Porter of Grand Performances. "Although they may not have the, quote-unquote, star quality that Andy had, we know they bring the same authenticity that the audience comes here to engage with."
Nightlife.YellowPages.com/LongBeachSome of the musicians played with Palacio at the venue last year. But this time, the headliners will be three women singers -- Sofia Blanco, her daughter Silvia and Desere Diego -- who are featured on a new album, "Umalali: The Garifuna Women's Project," released domestically on the Cumbancha label.
That collection is the result of a decade of fieldwork. Since 1997, producer Ivan Duran has devoted himself to the Garifuna Women's Project, a systematic effort to search out the strong female voices of this culture. Like a musical anthropologist, he visited remote villages to record women in their kitchens and temples, accumulating enough material for an album and a tour, originally scheduled with Palacio this year.
"You could feel among the women a renewed level of dedication and a sense of urgency after his death," said Duran in Spanish this week from his home in Belize. "We all felt that we had to do everything possible so that this door that Andy opened for us would not close on us again."
The women are the real stars of Garifuna culture, forged through the intermarriage of former African slaves and the indigenous Carib and Arawak Indians. The men like the spotlight, said Duran, but the women are the cultural anchors.
"Garifuna women are very strong," he said. "Traditionally, the men are fishermen and the women are in charge of cultivating the fields, as well as raising the children. They are also the ones responsible for transmitting many aspects of the culture. They have a very distinct timbre to their voices and they bring a whole different sensibility to the music."
The need to preserve the native culture resonated with Duran, who has roots in Catalonia, the area of Spain whose independent identity was threatened under the Franco dictatorship. The acclaimed album he produced for Palacio last year, "Wátina," is credited with sparking the Garifuna renaissance.
"The stage of preservation is past and it's now important to move the music into the future," he said. "That's the only way young people will identify with it. And when the youth stop relating to their own music because they find it boring or old-fashioned, that's when the music will die."
Duran was an infant when his parents moved to Belize in the early '70s, an era of revolution and violence throughout Central America. They established one of the nation's first book publishers, Cubola Productions, specializing in the history and anthropology of Belize.
Two decades later, Duran became his own cultural trailblazer when he launched the first label devoted to Belizean music, Stonetree Records. Before that, artists had to travel to Mexico or the U.S. to record -- Palacio made several records during the 1980s in Los Angeles, where there is a significant Garifuna immigrant community.
(L.A.'s inaugural Garifuna Settlement Day celebration, featuring a hip-hop style lineup, is planned for Nov. 14, with tickets available at Little Belize restaurant in Inglewood and other locations.)
Duran undertook the women's project in 1997, intrigued by their voices and stories. He recorded some 300 songs by 50 women and selected 12 tracks for the album. He added touches of blues, rock, Latin and other styles to make a modern record, not just a historical document.
The music reflects the fusion of African, Spanish and Indian ancestry. Yet, in their relative isolation from the rest of Latin America, these artists preserved an authentic West African style, with high-pitched nasal vocals and echoes of tribal chants. In some songs, you can hear the core 3-2 clave beat of the Garifuna's Afro-Cuban cousins. In others, there are the joyful grooves of Afropop or an edgy electric guitar.
On one track, "Uruwei" (The Government), Duran adds the sounds of a hammock swinging on his porch with ocean waves in the background, enhancing the ambience of the rustic vocal track from his original field recordings.
Duran might have made the music contemporary, but the themes are timeless. In "Nibari" (My Grandchild), Sofia Blanco offers a warning to a wayward granddaughter with a penchant for running away from home. The lyric was written by her husband of almost 40 years, Gregorio, based on a conversation he had overheard on the street.
In "Yunduya Weyu" (The Sun Has Set), Blanco writes her own painful lyric about the difficult birth of one of her four children.
One of the newest members of the Garifuna Collective is singer Lloyd Augustine, 31, formerly with the band Punta Rebels, who switched to more traditional music, such as the rhythmic paranda, partly thanks to Palacio.
Diego, the third vocalist on tonight's bill, is also one of the youngest in the project and one of the most in-demand. Her powerful voice often is heard at dügü ceremonies, a traditional healing ritual.
"On this tour, the important thing is to show that there's so much talent in this community," said Duran. "This project is not summed up in one person or one artist. We want the world to be aware of what we have to offer."
Or as Palacio would often say at concerts: "There's a lot more where I came from."
Jerry Castro and Rhodell Castillo at the grand opening of Garifuna Flava Restaurant in Chicago during the weekend of the celebration of the Belize Parkfest Sat. August 2nd 2008.
Jerry Castro and Rhodell Castillo at the grand opening of Garifuna Flava Restaurant in Chicago during the weekend of the celebration of the Belize Parkfest Sat. August 2nd 2008.
GAHFU MEETS YURUMEIN'S PRIME MINISTER AT LAX HILTON HOTEL
Click on picture to see the entire album of photos taken during the event. PRIME MINISTER OF ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES DR. RALPH GONSALVES
Los Angeles, CA Sat. July 19m 2008 12:10 PM. GAHFU participated in the welcoming of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to Los Angeles. The Garifuna Teachers of LA and the graduating class were present as well.
Special dignitary from Belize, Mr. Roy Young former Consul of Belize in LA, Honorary Consul of St. Vincen & The Grenadines, Dr. Cadrin E. Gill were also present. Movie stars, Caribbean press staff, scholars as well as other personalities were in attendance.
The Garifuna contingent was addressed by Dr. Gill as he welcome Dr. Gonsalves. GAHFU's Cheryl L. Noralez was on hand to greet the Prime Minister and to address important issues affecting Garinagu.
A few pictures will follow.
GAHFU, Inc. ___________________________________________________________
Youssou N'Dour to Tour and Record with Garifuna Musician Aurelio Martinez as Part of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative
Prestigious grant unites African music legend with rising Honduran star for an exciting year of artistic collaboration
JUNE 2008 - With the help of luxury watch company Rolex, Afropop legend Youssou N'Dour and the rising Garifuna music star and Cumbancha/Stonetree recording artist Aurelio Martinez will be working closely together over the next year in an inspiring musical reunion between Africa and the Americas. The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative pairs highly talented young artists from around the world with great masters in film, visual arts, theater, dance, and music for a year of creative collaboration in a one on one mentoring relationship. West African superstar N'Dour, chosen by Rolex to be this year's music mentor, personally selected Martinez to be his protégé, inviting the Honduran musician to tour and record throughout the coming year.
Every two years, Rolex invites masters in dance, film, literature, music, theatre and the visual arts to provide individual guidance to gifted young artists. In six disciplines, a senior artist (the mentor) agrees to foster and counsel a young artist (the protégé) for one year. Previous mentors have included Martin Scorsese, Wole Soyinka, Julie Taymor, Pinchas Zukerman, Toni Morrison and other highly recognized figures in the arts.
Martinez is a Honduran born musician who is acclaimed as a central figure in the recent resurgence of the music of the Garifuna, an Afro-Amerindian community whose culturally threatened population lives primarily along the Caribbean coasts of Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. His debut album Garifuna Soul received critical acclaim worldwide and he is a member of the Garifuna Collective, a multi-generational group of Garifuna musicians whose work with the late Andy Palacio on the Cumbancha/Stonetree album Wátina is now legendary in world music circles. Currently, Martinez is fronting the Andy Palacio Tribute Tour, promising to carry the torch for Garifuna culture after Palacio's tragic and untimely death in January 2008. Martinez is the first member of his local Garifuna community to be elected as a representative to the Honduran National Congress, where he is a staunch advocate for the nation's minority populations.
The collaboration fulfills a life long goal of Martinez to reconnect Garifuna music with its African roots. "There is so much I would like to learn from Youssou N'Dour and from Senegal's musical culture," he says. "It is my dream to reconnect Garifuna music with our ancestral homeland." N'Dour also extended praise to his protégé remarking, "The man has talent. I told him that you may be here to learn something, but I tell you, I'm sure I'm going to learn a lot from you!"
The two artists plan to tour together in Europe this year and collaborate on new music in N'Dour's recording studio in Dakar. Producer Ivan Duran has already begun work on Martinez's next album, which will be released in 2009 on Cumbancha/Stonetree.
The Andy Palacio Tribute Tour featuring Aurelio Martinez, Umalali and the Garifuna Collective will be taking place in Europe this summer. For current tour dates, visit www.cumbancha.com.
For press materials please contact: Simeon Chapin at 802.425.2118 or via email at simeon@cumbancha.com
Libaya Baba at Medgar Evers College, City University of New York during the annual forum on Sat. May 31, 2008
4Th Annual Garifuna Community Forum NY 08
OPEN THANK YOU LETTER
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2008
To: Alfonso Cayetano and Professor Esther Nunez
From: Rony Figueroa
Re: Thank You Letter
First of all, I would like to thank you for your dedication to GAHFU's cause and especially for having helped us to take the 4Th Annual Garifuna Community Forum NY 08 to new heights.
When I first saw the auditorium at Medgar Evers College, I felt proud of the type of venue that the Garifuna community was getting to be the location of the forum. The college is strategically located in one of the nicest neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The auditorium's seating arrangements as well as the large stage were of VIP caliber.
Mr. Cayetano and Professor Nunez, I must say that you really worked hard and diligently to make the annual garifuna forum an event to remember. From the acquisition of the venue to the securing of the right equipment to be used during the forum, you both were very instrumental. Then, the promotion and the advertisement of the forum was another leg of this project which made the difference. The forum was a success because of your commitment to make it happen and I truly appreciate it.
After the forum was over, I had numerous people approached me to let me know how excited they were about what they had just witnessed. People came right and left to offer their help to make the next forum even more successful. But the most important factor of the event was that Garinagu from all over came to be part of "A Garifuna Cultural Exchange Experience". I saw people coming from Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, New Jersey, Boston, Connecticut and Texas as well as people from St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Panama, Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago; Caucasian and African-Americans were also present.
In conclusion, I believe that Garinagu have always worked in communal ways and that this is no exception. When Garinagu work together hand in hand, they are able to achieve great things, the forum was a perfect example of working united to attain a collective goal. I strongly think that both participants and the people who attended the forum, felt connected to one another and that we are indeed "One People One Culture".
Lachamuru Jerry Castro. The day began with City Hall security escorting Paul Nabor through the gates as members of the Garifuna and Caribbean community from the city and state of New York held a special tribute and honoring on the steps of New York's symbolic legislative buildings. The tribute featured New York City Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, former and the first Dominican American to be elected to legislative office in the State of New York, Hon. Guillermo Linares, Councilmebers:Kendall Stewart (D-Brooklyn), Mathew Eugene (D-Brooklyn), Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-East Harlem/ElBarrio), Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn), Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion's Office (D-Bronx), Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz (D-Brooklyn), Office of New York State Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr. (D-Bronx), Office of New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr., Belize Mission to the United Nations, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, World Music Institute and the Garifuna-Caribbean American Organization Coalition. During the City Hall tribute, Proclamations were presented to both the late Andy Palacio and Paul Nabor. Elected officials praised the Garifuna and Caribbean communities of New York and highlighted their commitment to work with these groups. In the afternoon, there was light lunch of fried fish, fulitas (smashed fried bananas, rice and beans with coconut and beans) over at the Garifuna restaurant in the Bronx with Paula Castillo and Paul Nabor. The Concert was something remarkable. First with Michael Stone (Princeton University) pre-concert talk that featured the artists. In one moment, Rolando "Chichiman" Sosa choked and held back emotions describing the work with Andy Palacio. Some in the crowd felt it and slowly dried their tears as well, hugging and embracing themselves for support. Aurelio Martinez danced and dazzled. Like a figure skater in the Olympics, he went for the Gold. People sang, clapped and danced. Lloyd Augustine was like John Legend: crisp and to the point. One concert highlight was when Aurelio Martinez's mother silenced everybody in the hall with the melodic voice. He had been talking about his singing skills and crediting his mother. To hear the woman or the source come out like that was simply breathtaking. The Main Event was when Aurelio Martinez told the crowd about the evening's special guest. When Paul Nabor got on stage, it was like Barack Obama just won the Presidency. People jumped out their seats. They sang along - "lau bala banda habunanei". About four rows behind me, my mother had took off her shoes and tighten her Garifuna head scarf. When I turned to check, her arms were wide opened, eyes closed and looking to the sky, singing and moving along the main event. Next to me were a group as well who just could not sit. They knew all the songs and served as invincible chorus. sitting next to me was the representative from the Bronx Borough President Office who went on stage to read the Proclamation from the 1.3 million residents of the Bronx. She too clapped, shook the leg and and couldn't stay still. Cameras tried to captured the moment, but it was too dark. No flashes, please. On stage, Paul Nabor moved like a 45 year old. No, a 35 year old. No, a 25 year old. No, more like a 21 year old. He danced, moved, sang, stood still. Looked at the people who appreciated the music. When he jumped to end a session, the hall went wild! Black, white, garifuna Hispanic, Asians, Africans, Caribbeans all stood up and hailed the Chief. Yes, it was a good Day in New York indeed! What a way to celebrate Garifuna Heritage and Survival Month.
Sandra Bell's Tribute To Andy Palacio in New York Feb. '08
Lachamuru Jerry Castro
On Sunday May 2nd, the New York Garifuna community hosted an event to honor the life and legacy of Garifuna cultural icon, Andy Palacio.
The event drew hundreds of young, middle aged and Garinagu seniors to be part of a memorable event. Organized by the legendary Sandra Bell and Irene Aranda, the tribute to the late Andy Palacio was a reminder of Garifuna accomplishment, pride and progress.
The performances were great: James Lovell, Paula Castillo, Juan "Cabo" Noralez, illagulei dance company, Hechu Garinagu and J. King to name a few. There was also a video tribute and scenes of the burial procession in Belize.
Though every act was great and phenomenal the closing of the event marked the significance of Andy Palacio's effort and hard work to make Garinagu aware of their culture.
Men, women and children gathered in the middle of the hall to sing one of Andy's hallmark song, "Watina". Everyone held hands and sang the song. It didn't matter whether you were Garifuna or not. Everyone picked up the line, sang along, held on to both his daughter and legacy. Some closed their eyes to feel not only the beat, but the song and its meaning.
One senior said it was supposed to be a tribute but in the end it was a celebration of the accomplishments, the legacy and life of The Honorable Andy Palacio.
¡SALUD! – the award-winning film about Cuba’s medical outreach programs to the developing world – will be shown Monday evening, February 25, at 7:30 in UCSB’s Campbell Hall. The film will be accompanied by Dr. Luther Castillo, a graduate of Cuba’s Latin American Medical School (the world’s largest), and Diane Appelbaum, U.S. Director of Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba (MEDICC. MEDICC is a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, whose mission is to promote health equity globally by enhancing cooperation among US, Cuba and, and global health communities.
Dr. Luther Castillo – named by Rotary International’s Tegucigalpa chapter as Honduran Doctor of the Year – received his medical training at Cuba's Latin American Medical School (ELAM), where some 10,000 students from poor communities around the world are receiving full scholarships for a six-year medical education. These young doctors, including almost 100 from the US. will return to their underserved communities to practice the kind of medicine they learn in Cuba: population-based, with an emphasis on prevention and public health Dr. Castillo is currently building a hospital that will serve the impoverished Garifuna region on Honduras’ Atlantic coast.
For the past seven years, Diane Appelbaum, a nurse practitioner and medical educatorhas been the US Director of MEDICC, overseeing many of the organization’s projects, including support for graduates of Cuba's ELAM, such as Luther. Diane is no stranger to Santa Barbara: she was one of the founders of the Santa Barbara News & Review (precursor to the Independent), as well as the West Side Neighborhood Medical Clinic, which has grown into the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics.
Beautifully filmed in Cuba, South Africa, The Gambia, Honduras and Venezuela, the film ¡SALUD! traces the conflicting agendas that mark the quest for global health. Coming at a time when the world is struggling with glaring health disparities, ¡SALUD! examines the remarkable case of Cuba, a poor country with what the BBC calls “one of the world’s best health systems.” In the words of former President Jimmy Carter, who appears in the film, “Of all the so-called developing nations, Cuba has by far the best health system. And their outreach program to other countries is unequaled anywhere.”
¡SALUD! was produced and directed by Connie Field, the celebrated activist filmmaker best known for her now-classic Rosie the Riveter. It has played at numerous film festival and won many awards. Dr. Paul Farmer, who has lead a global crusade against Malaria, TB, and other infectious diseases, praises ¡SALUD! as “compelling, upbeat and moving, a great tool for learning the much there is to learn from Cuba.”
I interviewed Luther Castillo while he was on the east coast, raising funds for his hospital.
* * * * *
Richard Appelbaum: First, tell me a little about yourself, and your community
Luther Castillo: I was born in a small community on the Miskito coast of Honduras. My people are Garifuna. We are of African descent. We live along the Central American Caribbean coast, and came to Honduras in 1797, 211 years ago. The Garifuna region is one of the poorest in Honduras, which is itself one of the poorest countries in the world; half of the Honduran population lives in poverty. It is often said, “where the Garifuna community begins, the paved road ends.” Until recently, we had no medical services. We are far from the capital Tegucigalpa, and Honduran doctors did not want to work in our region. There are 6,000 doctors in Honduras – but none to serve us.
RPA: How did you become involved in medical work?
LC: The cost of going to medical school in Honduras is high. It took 150 years from its founding for the first Garifuna to be admitted. We were hit hard by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, and Cuba began sending teams of doctors in rotation – some 200 over the past ten years – and I saw an opportunity to help my people.
In 1999 I was fortunate to be able enroll in the Latin American Medical School in Havana – the school depicted in the film ¡SALUD! – and train under the Cuban concept of medicine, which values solidarity and humanity over profits. Cuba’s medical school – the largest in the world, and virtually free of cost – teaches you to go wherever the people need the work. I came back determined to build a model of health care that will serve the needs of poor people, not just those who can afford it. We were taught to look at people as patients, not as clients.
RPA: Tell me about your Ciriboya Community Hospital project. I understand your clinic will serve as a regional hospital for some 80,000 people throughout the Garifuna communities, providing – in addition to its clinic – round-the-clock emergency services, medical training, and public health outreach.
LC: This is the first hospital in the Garifuna region. After I returned from medical school in Cuba I organized the other students who were trained there; we began by donating fifteen days of vacation every year to work in the Garifuna communities. In 2004 we decided that providing visiting doctors wasn’t enough – what we really needed was a permanent facility, a small hospital. We began with a space for delivering babies, and rooms for brief hospital stays, and have since added a lab, dental office, and other facilities. We also train doctors in residency, thanks to the help Cuban and Garifuna doctors who serve us – some in rotation, some working full-time in the hospital. And we have been remarkably successful. For example, the infant mortality in Honduras is 30.8 per thousand live births; in our area, it is less than a third of that (10.1). The maternal mortality rate in our region is a quarter of that elsewhere in the country.
RPA: As impressive as that is, I understand this is only the beginning – that you are in the process of expanding your hospital.
LC: We are raising some $700,000 to finish the job. We hope to add rooms for surgery and pediatrics, a library and pharmacy, classrooms, and so forth. We are raising money “brick by brick;” you can donate a “brick” for $30. I am currently traveling across the United States to raise that money.
RPA: I understand you are receiving support from labor unions in the U.S.
LC: In 2001 we were visited by Bill Camp, Executive Secretary of the Central Labor Council of the AFL-CIO in Sacramento, and California Lieutenant-Governor John Garamendi. The unions have been a source of support ever since, sending volunteers to work in the medical brigades. They had a fund-raising dinner for me last week in Sacramento.
RPA: How does the medical establishment in Honduras feel about your efforts to provide free medical care to the poor?
LC: From the beginning there have been death threats. It is dangerous work. This new concept of medicine is not popular with the medical society of Honduras – they feel we are taking their “clients” away. We treated more than 68,000 people in one year; they see this as lost income. Doctors in Honduras study medicine to become rich, so this new concept is threatening.
RPA: What is it you need most right now?
LC: Right now we need human resources, money for infrastructure, and sustainability. The latter is the most important. The people in our community are too poor to pay for medical care; yet it costs about $1,500 a month to sustain a doctor. This is not much by U.S. standards, but it is a lot for us. Long-term support for doctors would be a great help. It is important to remember that what we are creating is more than a small hospital on the Miskito coast of Honduras. We are creating a model that can be used wherever there are poor people: A model of free health care for those who need it most.
Proyecto Nacimiento USA - Hospital en Ciriboya, Honduras
Dr. Luther Harry Castillo - Doctor Hondureño Garifuna graduado en Cuba.
Belize, Central America - Friday, January 18, 2008
We're deeply saddened to report that Andy Palacio has experienced what was apparently a severe heart attack and is in grave condition. He is currently on life support and the prognosis is not good. We are all hoping for a miracle and that Andy will regain consciousness, but at this point this does not seem likely.
Andy started feeling poorly a few days ago and visited a doctor with complaints of dizziness and blurred vision. On Wednesday he began experiencing seizures and was rushed to a hospital in Belmopan, Belize and then on to another hospital in Belize City. The doctors initially though Andy, who was still conscious and communicative at that time, had experienced a stroke, and were even diagnosing multiple sclerosis at one point. At this point, we were all hopeful Andy would recover.
Yesterday, Andy's condition worsened and he began experiencing more seizures. Andy is a national icon in Belize, and the story of his illness has not only been big news there, the Prime Minister has been putting his full support behind Andy's treatment. When Andy's condition started to decline, he was placed on an air ambulance to Chicago where he was expected to get treatment at one of the premier neurological facilities in the country.
En route to Chicago, the plane stopped in Mobile, Alabama to clear immigration. At that point, Andy was unconscious and it was determined that he was too ill to continue on the flight to Chicago. Andy is currently in a hospital in Mobile, Alabama where he is in a coma. His cousin is by his side and Andy's daughters will be arriving shortly .
It is impossible to describe the pain we feel from this unfathomable tragedy. We will notify you if we hear any significant updates on Andy's condition. In the meantime, keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Ivan Duran (Stonetree) and Jacob Edgar (Cumbancha)4:12 PM
LUAGU HATUADI WADUHEÑU (POR LA SALUD DE NUESTRO PUEBLO) Inauguran Primer Hospital Garífuna en Honduras Guido Eguigure 5-12-2007
Podría parecer ficción, pero es realidad. En un país donde el deterioro de los servicios básicos es lo mas común, lo que no se había logrado en mas de ciento cincuenta años del pueblo Garifuna en Honduras, es hoy una realidad. Gracias a la generosidad de Fidel, del pueblo cubano, de la solidaridad de sindicatos de trabajadores de estados unidos, del empeño de los primeros médicos Garífunas egresados de la ELAM y de las comunidades mismas que trabajaron mano a mano para levantar su mas hermoso proyecto, este sábado 8 de octubre se inaugurará el primer hospital Garifuna de Honduras en Ciriboya, una remota comunidad de la costa caribe hondureña.
Este es quizás es el mas grande acontecimiento para el pueblo Garifuna en los últimos años. Y es que ese olvidado pueblo que ha aportado tanto a nuestra identidad como nación ha sido abandonado por los sucesivos gobiernos. Sus poblaciones son testigos del abandono oficial y ahora de la ambición de las empresas turísticas llenas de codicia por obtener sus territorios ancestrales, los más hermosos de Centroamérica.
Un dato que estremece la conciencia es que hay ahora más médicos y estudiantes Garífunas en la ELAM que en más de 150 años de existencia de la Universidad Nacional. Este dato por si solo muestra la exclusión, la discriminación y la pobreza a la que se ha sometido a ese generoso y noble pueblo. Más allá de esta realidad, el propio pueblo Garifuna, orgulloso de su pasado, levanta hoy su frente para mostrar al mundo su coraje, su determinación por cambiar su vida. Al frente, un grupo de jóvenes llenos de amor por su pueblo, con la única arma de la determinación, de la solidaridad para sacar a su pueblo de la injusticia en la que ha vivido por más de 150 años.
La Fundacion LUAGU HATUADI WADUHEÑU (POR LA SALUD DE NUESTRO PUEBLO), fundada por los primeros egresados de la Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina, iniciaron donando a partir del año dos mil, 15 días de su mes de vacaciones para dar atención medica y medicamentos en 19 comunidades Garífunas de la costa caribe Hondureña. A partir de 2001, desarrollaron brigadas estudiantiles las que han capacitado a la fecha a más de 18 mil jóvenes y se contabilizan ya más de 20 mil consultas. Este hermoso y esperanzador trabajo ha trascendido el ámbito de la medicina y han desarrollado proyectos comunitarios como parques, canchas deportivas entre otros.
A la cabeza de ese esfuerzo, un joven médico Garifuna, cuyo nombre rememora al líder de la lucha por los derechos civiles. Luther Castillo, es también un convencido de la vida. Es un incansable luchador que con su energía irradia esperanza y trabajo en su pueblo. Lo escuché en la Plaza Cuba en Tegucigalpa dando un discurso en el que contó como fue que cada día caminaban desde su comunidad más de 6 horas para poder ir a la escuela más cercana. Muchos de los amigos que le acompañaban no terminaron la escuela, pues la pobreza, la principal limitación se los impidió. Luego oyeron hablar de los médicos cubanos que habían llegado a la zona después del huracán Mitch para atender a la población afectada. Ellos se quedaron y poco después ofrecieron la posibilidad a jóvenes Garífunas de ir a estudiar medicina a Cuba. Eso parecía un sueño. Ese sueño hoy es más que una realidad. Ya no solo hay 32 médicos Garífunas graduados y 31 más estudiando en la ELAM. También se está inaugurando el primer hospital Garifuna de la historia. Al igual que la operación que ha devuelto la vista a más de un millón de personas en América Latina, esto también es un milagro.
Quien conoce las comunidades Garífunas de Iriona, sabe lo que representa tener médicos, un hospital, quirófano, sala de parto y otras facilidades, cuando la distancia, la pobreza y la discriminación significaron en el pasado la diferencia entre la vida o la muerte para sus habitantes. Hoy, el sueño es realidad. La esperanza se convirtió en la diferencia. La fundacion LUAGU HATUADI WADUHEÑU (POR LA SALUD DE NUESTRO PUEBLO) esta haciendo la diferencia con el apoyo de su pueblo, de la mano con Fidel, con el pueblo y los médicos cubanos y con la solidaridad de los trabajadores norteamericanos.
Hoy las comunidades Garífunas se regocijan hoy por su gran logro. Hoy el pueblo Garifuna esta de fiesta y con merecida razón. Por eso, les enviamos nuestro gran abrazo y nuestra solidaridad.
Experience the legacy of the Arawaks and Caribs meeting the Africans - a culture of struggle, survival, resilience, triumph and excellence. Come feel and hear their story...
A Celebration from the Roots of the Caribbean
JAMES LOVELL and the AFRIGARIFUNA YOUTH ENSEMBLE
JAMES LOVELL is an accomplished Garifuna musician from Belize, Central America. Based in Brooklyn, NY since 1990, James Lovell teaches at the Biko Family Life Center in Bushwick, Brooklyn. James has worked with many of the African musicians also living in NYC, which inspired him to experiment with a new concept of his own musical roots. He coined the term "Afrigarifuna" to describe his fusion of various West African rhythms with the traditional music of the Garifuna people.
The AFRIGARIFUNA YOUTH ENSEMBLE is comprised of 9 children between the ages of 5 and 15, as well as three adult musicians. Their mission is to provide an opportunity for Garifuna-American children to connect with their culture. While living in a city where they assimilate into mainstream American culture, the children of the Ensemble are exposed to their history through music, dance and poetry. With the guidance of their teacher, James Lovell, the children have learned to read music and play a variety of instruments and musical genres, including the drums, rhythms and songs of their Garifuna heritage.
For further information, please contact James Lovell: 646-641-9261 or lovellswagiya@aol.com Owusu Slater: 917-648-3895
Andy Palacio & Ivan Duran Receive 2007 WOMEX Award
It's been one of the most honored, most popular and most talked about international albums of the past year, and now Andy Palacio and theGarifuna Collective's Watina has received the highest honor in world music.
On Sunday October 28 in Seville Spain, Andy Palacio and producer IvanDuran received the 2007 WOMEX award. Palacio gave the acceptance speechand performed two songs with the Garifuna Collective. Wátina has also been selected as the number 1 world music album of 2007 by the WorldMusic Charts Europe DJ.
Lauros por trayectoria cultural Entregan reconocimientos a Jorge Luján Muñóz, Frederikc Joseph Bove, Grupo de Danza Garífuna Wanaragua y Eikichi Hayashiya.
Belizean musician Andy Palacio designated UNESCO Artist for Peace
The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura, has designated the celebrated Belizean musician and singer Andy Palacio a UNESCO Artist for Peace.
OCTOBER 1, 2007 - UNESCO Artists for Peace are internationally-renowned personalities who use their influence, charisma and prestige to help promote UNESCO's message and programs. UNESCO works with these distinguished personalities in order to heighten public awareness regarding key development issues and to inform the public what our Organization's action is in these fields. Andy Palacio's designation makes him the 40th UNESCO Artist for Peace alongside prestigious international figures such as Manu Dibango, Celine Dion and Gilberto Gil.
Born in 1960 in the coastal village of Barranco, in Belize, Andy Palacio started to gain popularity in Belize and abroad in the late 1980s. He has since become his country's most popular musician and one of the most prominent defenders of the regional Garifuna culture and traditions.
With his band The Garifuna Collective, Andy Palacio has created a unique musical style known as Punta rock, an upbeat, popular dance form based on Garifuna rhythms. Palacio also sings in the Garifuna language, which blends many linguistic influences and which UNESCO declared in 2001 a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Andy Palacio is Cultural Ambassador for his country and holds the position of Deputy Administrator of the National Institute of Culture and History.
Gulisi Community Primary School opened its doors this morning and we want to share some pictures with you! Canon Valentine was on hand to bless the students, staff and school and several parents were also on hand to witness this historic occasion. We will have an ‘official’ opening ceremony as soon as the two-classroom wooden structure which we are constructing is completed ( this should be completed at the end of this week). Do keep us in mind and prayers. * NGC School was opened in September! We still need more donations which could be made through GAHFU, Inc. Your donations are tax deductible* GAHFU, Inc.
Click to see photoalbum - Haz un click para ver el album de fotos! *Pictures courtesy of Maria Huezo
Click to see photoalbum - Haz un click para ver el album de fotos! *Pictures courtesy of Maria Huezo
GARIFUNA MADE THE DIFFERENCE ONCE AGAIN
The Central American Independence Parade in Los Angeles happens to be the largest parade in the world and nothing compares to it not even in Central America itself. This year, Garinagu came out proud to celebrate the birth and independence from Spain of the different nations in Central America.
Garifuna people were living in the area way before Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Belize were even born as nations. They came, as we all know, in 1797 when they landed in Roatan – Bay Islands – Honduras. Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras obtained their independence from the Spanish crown until 1821. Belize’s independence came until 1981. As Garinagu moved inland towards Trujillo in Honduras, some others explored as far south as Nicaragua trying to find the way back to their homeland Yurumein (Saint Vincent). Garinagu were exiled by their fiercest enemy, The British from the Land of the Blessed! (Hairoun). Some other Garifuna leaders settled with their families and friends into other exotic places like Guatemala and Belize then British Honduras.
But let us go back to the celebration that took place on Sunday, September 16, 2007. The representatives of the 7 Central American nations were there to highlight their cultural diversity, their dances and their music. Honduras headed the parade with elegant floats and people marching. Hondurans conveyed their cultural richness, but the one thing I noticed was that most of the participants under Honduras had either Garifuna people walking and dancing with them or riding the floats. There was the Atlántida International float which featured Garifuna music blasting loud from the dj system playing none other than punta rock to the dancing delight of beautiful garifuna performers.
Immediately after, the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United –GAHFU-, made its appearance with the representation of Yurumein. We were very proud to have had a numerous representation including a group of ladies and their children on the parade who traveled all the way from Bakersfield, California. They came, they walked the two-mile route and they danced back-home style to the live and sweet beat of the drums. One of the ladies said that she wasn’t going to miss it for anything in the world. As the Gayusa rode on the back of a pick up truck singing and chanting away, the drummers followed behind marching and dancing to the hungu-hugu, punta, and paranda. Garinagu were vibrant and proud of their heritage and whenever they passed in front of a loud crowd, the onlookers were mesmerized to the beat of the garaoun, the sweet sounds of the wadabu and the rattle and shake of the sisira.
In front of the yurumein, just steps ahead of the truck, leading the parade, walked the chief Chatuye. Abuti Chatuye led his people as he did 210 years ago. He marched with his machete at hand saluting the television cameras that were fascinated by the spectacle put on by the scene of Yurumein in the streets of Los Angeles. Right next to Garifuna Abuti Chatuye and walking just steps ahead was none other than the official representative of St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Dr. Gill, a Garifuna himself from the Garifuna reservation of Sandy Bay. Dr. Gill led the Yurumein with the beautiful flag of the motherland itself St. Vincent.
In closing, I have noticed that Garinagu presence in the Central American Independence Parade in Los Angeles has been increasing. Garinagu do make a difference because they ratify the undeniable presence of the African and Amerindian ancestry in Central America. During the past three years that I have been participating in the parade, I have learned to appreciate more and more the diversity of people that come from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Garinagu not only contributed to the birth of these nations whether they were on the right side or the wrong side of the independence revolution. They came exiled by the British, fought the war alongside the Spanish armada and made their way into a new handful of republics that were at the brink of forming. They were the ones who settled in the coveted and gorgeous Atlantic coast, cleaned it and inhabited the swamp lands enduring the malaria by virtue of casaba, a staple in their diets. They were the ones that made the difference once again. Written by: DJ Labuga
The parade will be broadcasted this Sat. September 22nd on Telefutura at 1:00 pm PST
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by "GAHFU, Inc." and while we try to keep the information up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services,
or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website. Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control
of "GAHFU, Inc.". We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, "GAHFU, Inc." takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
Session I starts Sat. Jan. 30 thru March 20. Session II from April 10 thru May 29. Session III from June 12 thru Aug. 7. Session IV from Aug. 21 thru Oct. 16. Session V from Oct. 30 thru Dec. 18, 2010! We have added a Children's Class, a Beginner's Class and an Advanced Class. All of these 
24 cases of medical supplies.
PRESS RELEASE
MISS GAHFU ARTESIA WELCH back in 2008 during the Drumming Class
IGEMERI
LUBA GARIFUNA CULTURAL MUSEUM by Sebastian & Isabel Cayetano and Family 4202 Fern Lane St. Martin's Area Belize City, Central America.
Varios niños de la etnia Garífuna juegan en la playa. Foto: EFE.
Mujeres garífunas danzan durante una marcha. El Bronx es el principal centro de la inmigración garífuna desde sus inicios. Foto: EFE.
This picture shows the inside of the Dabuyaba looking to the front entrance door towards the Caribbean Sea. You can notice the three drums used during the ceremony of the DUGU.
The Drums.
Fermin Arzu as he discusses his plans for the Dabuyaba with Cheryl L. Noralez and Rony Figueroa.
The Dabuyaba from the main entrance
Jobo, DJ Labuga & Mohubob Flores at Umalali Studios in Los Angeles, California during the 19th of November 2008. 
Agudahei Wagucha
Jerry Castro and Rhodell Castillo at the grand opening of Garifuna Flava Restaurant in Chicago during the weekend of the celebration of the Belize Parkfest Sat. August 2nd 2008.
Sandra Bell's Tribute To Andy Palacio in New York Feb. '08
Proyecto Nacimiento USA - Hospital en Ciriboya, Honduras
Dr. Luther Harry Castillo - Doctor Hondureño Garifuna graduado en Cuba.
On Sunday October 28 in Seville Spain, Andy Palacio and producer IvanDuran received the 2007 WOMEX award. Palacio gave the acceptance speechand performed two songs with the Garifuna Collective. Wátina has also been selected as the number 1 world music album of 2007 by the WorldMusic Charts Europe DJ.
