7 News Belize

Scenes From Settlement Day
posted (November 20, 2013)

Yesterday, Belizeans all across the country joined with the Garinagu to celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day. We have footage of the activities which took place in Dangriga, but before that, we'll take you to yesterday morning in Belize City where the National Garifuna Council organized the re-enactment of their ancestors' arrival, the "Yurumei" to commemorate their landing in Belize two hundred and eleven years ago.

Mayor Darrell Bradley was a part of the ceremony, and both he and the President of the NGC in Belize City explained the significance of the "Yurumei":

Francisco Zuniga - President, National Garifuna Council, Belize City Branch
"This a reenactment of the first arrival of the "Garinagu" People to the shores of Belize. It is to show that when they driven from St. Vicent, they came all the way, struggling through Guatemala, Honduras, and eventually they came to Belize. The Mayor represents the Governor, so then the "Yurumei", which is the Saint Vicent people, sought permission first for them to land on the shores of Belize."

Mayor Darrell Bradley - Participated in the "Yurumei"
"This is the second year that I've participated in the reenactment, and they asked for a senior government official just to be part and to officially welcome them onto the shores of Belize City. Last year, it was just an energetic activity and experience. It has so much cultural significance to the "Garinagu" people and to the entire country of Belize in terms of recognizing in a symbolic gesture their significant contribution to our development in terms of education, public service, culture and other areas. So, it's been a good experience for me just be a part of this."

Francisco Zuniga
"It is very significant because what happens then is that for these people to have been driven from their homeland, St. Vincent, and find their way, all the way - if you looked at where St. Vincent is located - it's something that they need to hold that memory. They need to hold that in mind because it was not an easy struggle."

Mayor Darrell Bradley
"It's just humbling and really awe-inspiring to see the Garifuna people celebrating their culture in such a rich way. One of things that moved me significantly was to see how many young people are participating in the reenactment, both "Garinagu" and also young people from the general population of Belize."

According to the NGC website, the Garinagu first arrived in the south on November 19, 1802, settling in the Districts of Stann Creek and Toledo. And in Dangriga Town, one of the cultural centers of the "Garinagu", they held a parade throughout the Streets.

And that's what we'll close with tonight: yesterday's annual march in Dangriga town.  As per tradition, it was a spirited procession with both historical significance and real time relevance – as the culmination of many 18th night sprees!

And, before we go, remember that 7news will start at 6:00 again tomorrow to make way for another Under – 16 game when Belize takes on regional powerhouse, Honduras.

That's tomorrow, but, next, the Junior Jaguars take on rival Guatemala.





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