International News: Garifuna community celebrates historic acquisition of sacred island, Baliceaux

Published by BBNTEAM at March 10, 2025

Posted: Monday, March 10, 2025. 7:45 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has officially acquired the uninhabited island of Baliceaux, a site of profound historical significance for the Garifuna community, the UK Guardian reports. This marks a long-awaited step towards honoring the legacy of the Garifuna people, descendants of enslaved Africans and Indigenous Kalinago and Arawak individuals.

Ubafu Topsey, a prominent activist from Belize, expressed her elation at the news, stating, “We are ecstatic that the government of SVG is doing the right thing for us. [SVG Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves] put his money where his mouth is. He made his promise a reality.” As she prepares for an annual pilgrimage to Baliceaux on March 14, celebrated as National Heroes Day in SVG, Topsey emphasized the importance of this year’s visit, calling it an occasion for special celebration.

“This is our homeland, and every Garifuna around the world understands that these are holy, sacred grounds. We are just so thankful and joyful,” she said, expressing hopes that Baliceaux could soon become a World Heritage Site to honor the Garifuna legacy. Topsey further expressed aspirations for the future of Baliceaux, suggesting that the barren landscape could be revitalized with more vegetation to reflect a journey beyond grief towards healing. “That barrenness is too much of a reminder of our grief and our suffering,” she stated. “We have to go beyond the pain and the agony. Although we will never forget it, it is a tremendous opportunity for healing and setting an example for unlimited possibilities for future generations.”

Prime Minister Gonsalves announced the acquisition during a parliamentary session, highlighting “the historic importance” of the 300-acre island. While Gonsalves did not disclose the specifics of the purchase, he assured lawmakers that the previous owners would receive “fair compensation within a reasonable time.”

For generations, Baliceaux has symbolized suffering and resilience for the Garifuna community. In 1796, around 5,000 Garifuna were forcibly removed from their homes on mainland St. Vincent (Yurumein) and marooned on the island, where nearly half perished due to starvation and disease. Following that tragic period, the remaining exiles were relocated 1,700 miles away to Roatán, Honduras, from which they spread up and down the Central American coast from Belize to Nicaragua, and later to the United States and elsewhere. Today, Baliceaux stands as a sacred site, representing both a painful history and the enduring spirit of the Garifuna people, who now number approximately 600,000 worldwide.

Princess Eulogia Gordon, a California publicist and campaigner, underscored the unifying aspect of this achievement, saying, “Baliceaux doesn’t just belong to us. This is bigger than us. This is truly about unity and family and togetherness.”

March 11, Tuesday, is the 229th anniversary of the British exiling Garinagu from “Yurumein,” first to Baliceaux, then to Roatan. 2,248 started the journey on ten ships, covering 1,684 miles in 33 days, though 222 died en route. The remainder landed at Roatan on April 12.

March 14 also commemorates the 230th anniversary of the death of Right Excellent Joseph Chatoyer, Paramount Garifuna Chief, in 1795.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.