How Much Does Belize Value Garifuna People?

A hot mic exchange between Prime Minister John Briceño and soca star Machel Montano has reignited debate over how Belize values its Garifuna people. While some Garinagu criticized the Prime Minister’s comment about the community’s size, Indigenous Affairs Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh says the conversation should now focus on the deeper challenges they face.

 

On the phone: Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Indigenous Affairs

“I think it was an innocent mistake by the Prime Minister of the numbers but then again, from the Garifuna community, I fully understand their reaction because no community wants to feel that they have been belittled in any way, shape, or form, and I’m sure that was not the intention of our Prime Minister. Recognize that if a community that’s already a minority gets the feeling that their numbers are being diminished then they will have a certain view and response but I do believe, again, I reiterate that I think it’s clear that the Prime Minister did not mean to demean the Garinagu people in what he said and I think having understood that, I think we must now focus on those things that are more important. How do we work together to ensure that our various communities, ethnicities, that we are all working together for the well-being of all of our people, respecting the rights of all of our communities? I think that’s a more positive approach so that together we can find solutions. As challenges arise in the future, we can do that better by working together.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño has apologized and set a meeting with President of the National Garifuna Council Alex Nolberto to discuss issues raised by Belize’s Garifuna Community. 

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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