A Historical Timeline of The Garifuna in Belize

160 A.D.Arawak Emigration

In 160 A.D., the Arawak people, an indigenous group originally from the Orinoco River basin in present-day Venezuela, began migrating to the Greater Antilles, a group of larger islands in the Caribbean including Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico.

1220 A.D.Caribs Invasion

In 1220 A.D., the Caribs, a warlike and seafaring indigenous people from the South American mainland, began invading and conquering the islands of the Lesser Antilles, gradually extending their influence to some parts of the Greater Antilles, which were inhabited by the Arawak people. This invasion marked a significant shift in the control and culture of the Caribbean islands.

October 12, 1492Columbus’ Arrival

On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, made his historic landing on the shores of what is now known as San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. At the time of Columbus’s arrival, the island was called Guanahani by the indigenous Lucayan Taino people. This event marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization in the Americas.

1600sSlave Ship Wreckage

In the 1600s, slave ships transporting captive Africans were wrecked off the coast of St. Vincent, an island in the Caribbean. The survivors of these shipwrecks sought refuge with the indigenous Carib people, who inhabited the island. This encounter led to the Africans integrating into the Carib society through intermarriage and cultural exchange, resulting in the birth of the Black Caribs, also known as Garifuna.

March 14, 1795Final British Carib War

On March 14, 1795, during the Final British Carib War, the Paramount Chief of the Carib Chiefs in St. Vincent, Joseph Chatoyer, was assassinated. This war, also known as the Second Carib War, was a significant conflict between the British colonial forces and the indigenous Black Caribs, who resisted British encroachment on their lands.

Joseph Chatoyer, a charismatic and influential leader, played a central role in organizing and leading the resistance against British colonization efforts. Under his leadership, the Garifuna launched numerous attacks and maintained a staunch defense of their territories.

The assassination of Chief Chatoyer marked a turning point in the conflict. Following his death, the morale of the Carib forces waned, and the British were able to gain the upper hand. 

1797Exile of the Garifuna

In 1797, following an almost century-long struggle against British colonial forces, the British gained the upper hand in the conflict with the Black Caribs on the island of St. Vincent. As a result, 5,080 Black Carib men, women, and children were forcibly deported from St. Vincent to the island of Roatán, off the northern coast of Honduras.

1823Sub LabelThe Garifuna Migration to Belize

In 1832, the Black Caribs, or Garifuna, in Honduras found themselves embroiled in a political conflict that led to widespread violence and massacres. To escape the turmoil and ensure their survival, many Garifuna fled to Belize under the leadership of Alejo Beni.

Alejo Beni led his people to safety along the southern coast of Belize, where they established several settlements. These new communities became vital centers for the Garifuna people, allowing them to preserve and continue their unique cultural traditions, language, and way of life.

Some of the prominent Garifuna settlements founded along the southern coast of Belize include:

1. Dangriga – Often referred to as the cultural capital of the Garifuna people in Belize, Dangriga is a vibrant town known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional practices.

2. Hopkins – A smaller village known for its strong sense of community and traditional Garifuna customs, music, and dance.

3. Punta Gorda – Another key settlement that became an important hub for the Garifuna people in southern Belize.

1922Carib Development & Sick Aid Society

In 1922, Thomas Vincent Ramos, a prominent Garifuna leader and activist, established the Carib Development and Sick Aid Society in Stann Creek Town (now Dangriga), Belize. His primary goals for the society were multifaceted, aimed at addressing both cultural and health-related needs within the Garifuna community. The objectives of the Carib Development and Sick Aid Society included:

1. Cultural Promotion: To preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Garifuna people, ensuring that their traditions, language, and customs were maintained and passed down to future generations.

2. Reunification of the Garinagu: To foster unity and strengthen the bonds among the Garifuna people, who were dispersed across various regions due to historical events, ensuring a sense of community and shared identity.

3. Helping the Sick: To provide support and assistance to members of the community who were ill, ensuring that they received the care and help they needed during times of sickness.

4. Improving Health Facilities: To advocate for and work towards better health facilities and services in Stann Creek Town, addressing the healthcare needs of the Garifuna people and the broader community.

5. Proper Burial of the Dead: To ensure that deceased members of the community were given proper and dignified burials, respecting cultural practices and providing support to bereaved families.

Thomas Vincent Ramos’s efforts through the Carib Development and Sick Aid Society had a significant and lasting impact on the Garifuna community in Belize. His leadership and vision contributed to the preservation and celebration of Garifuna culture, as well as the improvement of health and social services for his people.

1926The Carib Sick and Burial Fund

The Carib Sick and Burial Fund was established in Puerto Barrios

1941Garifuna Settlement Day Established

Garifuna Settlement Day, which began as a celebration in Dangriga, Belize, is a significant cultural event recognizing the contributions of the Garifuna people. This day was advocated by prominent Garifuna leaders Thomas Vincent Ramos, Catarino Benguche, and Matias Avaloy. They wrote to the Governor of Belize, requesting an official day to honor the history and contributions of the Black Caribs (Garifuna) to the country.

Their persistent efforts paid off, and in 1941, Garifuna Settlement Day was officially recognized. The celebration is held annually on November 19th and commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize in 1832, when they sought refuge from political unrest and violence in Honduras. This day is marked by various cultural activities, including traditional music, dance, parades, and religious ceremonies, showcasing the rich heritage and enduring spirit of the Garifuna community.

Garifuna Settlement Day serves as a reminder of the resilience and contributions of the Garifuna people to Belizean society and helps to preserve and promote their unique cultural identity. The holiday has since been extended to other Garifuna communities in Belize, making it a nationwide celebration.

1977Sub LabelGarifuna Settlement Day Recognized

1977 – Garifuna Settlement Day is declared a Public and Bank Holiday throughout Belize.

1981NGC Was Established

In 1981, the National Garifuna Council of Belize (N.G.C.) was established with the primary goal of coordinating and enhancing the economic, cultural, and social development of the Garifuna people in Belize. The N.G.C. aims to preserve and promote the Garifuna heritage while addressing the various challenges faced by the Garifuna community.

The objectives of the National Garifuna Council include:

1. Cultural Preservation and Promotion: To ensure that Garifuna traditions, language, music, dance, and other cultural practices are maintained and celebrated.

2. Economic Development: To enhance the economic opportunities for Garifuna people by promoting entrepreneurship, education, and skill development.

3. Social Development: To improve the social well-being of the Garifuna community by advocating for better healthcare, education, and living conditions.

4. Advocacy and Representation: To represent the interests of the Garifuna people at local, national, and international levels, ensuring their voices are heard in policy-making processes.

5. Unity and Cooperation: To foster unity and cooperation among Garifuna communities across Belize, promoting a sense of shared identity and purpose.

The establishment of the N.G.C. marked a significant step towards the empowerment and advancement of the Garifuna people in Belize, providing a structured and organized platform to address their needs and aspirations.

2006Battle of the Drums Established

In 2006, the Battle of the Drums was established in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo, Belize. This organization was created with the primary aim of retrieving and preserving Garifuna culture. The initiative focuses on three main programs to achieve its goals:

1. Garifuna Language Retrieval and Preservation: This program aims to revive and maintain the Garifuna language, ensuring that it is taught to younger generations and used in daily communication. Efforts include language classes, workshops, and the creation of educational materials to promote fluency and literacy in Garifuna.

2. Garifuna Drumming, Dancing, and Singing Preservation: Central to Garifuna culture, drumming, dancing, and singing are actively preserved through this program. It includes organizing events, competitions, and performances that showcase traditional Garifuna music and dance, as well as providing training and resources to keep these art forms alive and vibrant.

3. Garifuna Community Support: This program focuses on enhancing the well-being of the Garifuna community by providing support in various areas such as education, health, and economic development. It aims to empower community members, foster unity, and promote the sustainable development of Garifuna communities.

The Battle of the Drums has become a significant cultural event in Belize, attracting participants and audiences from across the country and beyond. It plays a crucial role in celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Garifuna people, ensuring that their traditions continue to thrive for future generations.