Belize and Guatemala host Garifuna cultural event

The program had the full support of UNESCO, the Organization of American States, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation, the Garifuna Council of Belize and CODIRSA – the Presidential Commission Against Discrimination and Racism of Guatemala.

Garifuna groups Lirahunu Satuye of Dangriga Town and Luwaruguma Guifu of Livingston, Guatemala performed special presentations.

The program also included an academic conference which consisted of presentations by experts of both countries.  Presenters from Belize included the President of the Belize National Garifuna Council, Sandra Miranda, Roy Cayetano and Sebastian Cayetano.

Experts from Guatemala included Alfonso Arrivillaga, Dr. Gutberto Leiva and Olivia Núñez.

The presentations reflected on the history of the Garinagu people, their culture and traditions. The event celebrated the uniqueness and oneness of the Garinagu across countries, as well as their unique and distinctive language, music and dance, which is recognized by UNESCO as world patrimony and an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The event was organized through the joint efforts of the Embassy of Belize in Guatemala, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, UNESCO office in Kingston accredited to Belize and the UNESCO office in Guatemala.