National Garifuna Council Challenges Holiday Spending Directive
A cost-cutting memo from the Treasury Department has set off a much bigger debate about culture, recognition and government spending. The internal directive advised finance officers to approve decorations only for the September Celebrations and Christmas, raising concerns that festivities such as Garifuna Settlement Day were being left out. National Garifuna Council President Alex Nolberto spoke out, prompting the Government of Belize to clarify what the memo means and whether cultural celebrations are being treated equally.
Alex Nolberto
Alex Nolberto, President, National Garifuna Council
“In the press release you will note that we called for several things, for the ministry or accountant general to provide immediate clarification on this intention and application of this directive. Explain the basis for which September Celebrations and Christmas have been identified for approved decorations while Garifuna Settlement Day has seemingly been excluded. Review the directive to ensure it include all nationally recognized public holidays and significant cultural observances in Belize, including Garifuna Settlement. Establish an inclusive policy governing cultural expressions and recognize public holidays and significant cultural observances and decorations within government institutions that respects the heritage and identity of our Belizeans. So, it is not the case we are being jealous of the 19th just for Garifuna. It is a Belizean holiday so everybody should be afforded that right to celebrate and express themselves.”
A government press release issued late this afternoon says the memo was written about Halloween decorations. In its release, GOB says it looks forward to celebrating Garifuna Settlement Day, as is done every single year.
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