Garinagu organization and political growth in Belize - Part 3

By Dr Maximo Martinez
Edited by Wellington Ramos

The Struggle for Belize’s Independence and its Effects on the People

1980s and 1990s

The 1980s is a significant period in Belize and for the Garinagu, as the country in 1981 obtained its independence from Britain. Although discrimination continues in employment promotion and granting certain positions, prejudice against Garinagu decreased in the post-independence period.

It is commented that negative stereotypes of the group decreased through the arts recognizing Garifuna Punta Rock music in the 1980s and also their participation in the nationalist movement and many contributions to the country recognized.40 Since this period, the Creole continued to exercise social and political power in Belize.41

Nonetheless, it is estimated that this may change with the growth of the mestizo population and increase in their socioeconomic status. Furthermore, other Spanish-speaking populations from neighbouring countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico) continue to migrate to Belize in large numbers.42

The National Garifuna Council (NGC) was officially recognized as a non-governmental organization in 1981. In 1986 NGC delegates visited its counterpart organization in Honduras (OFRANEH), establishing connections. Several years afterwards was the 1987 formation of the Caribbean Organization of Indigenous People (COIP), which the NGC office collaborated with, and in which the Toledo Maya Council also participated.43

Another significant event in 1982 was the ordination of Garinagu, Oswald Peter Martin, to Bishop of Belize and Belmopan in the Roman Catholic Church. This achievement gained, and the recognition of the NGC and its outreach, enhanced the positive image and renown of Garinagu engaging in various areas of society. In national politics the 1984 elections resulted in two Garinagu elected to office and two appointed.

Simeon Sampson and David Mckoy of the PUP were elected, while Doris Garcia (designated as President of the Senate) and Silas Cayetano JP (Senator) of the UDP were appointed by Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel.44 History was made when Edmund Zuniga of Punta Gorda became the first Garinagu appointed permanent secretary in Belize. In 1988 Zuniga became permanent secretary in the ministry of defence.

During the 1989 elections one Garinagu returned and was designated as a cabinet member in the House of Representatives. Dr Ted Aranda returned and was designated as minister of health and urban development during Prime Minister George Price’s PUP administration. There were also two appointed Garinagu senators, which were Conrad Lewis (PUP) and Soloman Lewis from Hopkins representing the PUP.45

During the 1980s and 1990s in Latin America, cultural diversity was recognized within constitutional changes occurring. Development agencies (World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, UNPFD, UN, ILO and NGOs) played a role enforcing advancing ethnic minorities’ needs within aid rendered to countries in the region. The post-Cold War period, and democratic government transformation, allowed for increased demonstration and protest for political and social rights in Central America. There was a rise of indigenous groups advocating for their rights during the 1980s, motivating Mayas in Belize to also demand their rights.

The leading Garinagu organization, the National Garifuna Council, collaborated with Mayan organizations on several lobbying initiatives such as proposing for bilingual and cultural based education. The Belizean government undoubtedly grew aware of indigenous and ethnic minority rights, which became part of the agenda leading to adopting policies in health, economic development, education and cultural awareness and preservation programs. The government accepted Convention 169 of the ILO on Indigenous and Tribal Rights by signing but has yet to ratify it.

In 1999, the Belizean government formally recognized the NGC as a legal representative of Garifuna people in Belize and pledged to directly consult the organization on administrative or legislative measures directly impacting Garinagu. With the memorandum of understanding the NGC aspired to cooperate with the government on various issues impacting the Garinagu such as: land, education, language and culture in education, health, support for economic and community development, and social issues.

Belize in the 21st Century and Garifuna Political Representation

Government Policy Actions in 21st Century

Formal institutions or established procedures specifically targeting Garinagu are non-existent in Belize. The state adopts the view of diverse coexistent multiculturalism in Belize. Ethnic minorities’ needs are addressed on a regional basis rather than individual groups. In Belize, a large scale policy framework does not exist in addressing issues of its minority populations.

National legislation on indigenous rights in Belize is limited to the Belize constitution containing one reference in the preamble referencing the states obligation to protect their culture and social status. The Garinagu organization’s alliance with indigenous organizations has assisted in several lobbying initiatives addressing their grievances. In addressing social, health and education issues, Belizean government ministries are assigned to attend to these needs on a regional basis.

As previously mentioned, for the most part, Garinagu reside in the southern districts (Toledo, Stann Creek) with the lowest indices of health, economic and education with the exception of Garinagu residing in Belize City, located in Belize district.46 Sources present the government attending to distressed social and economic needs in their southern districts through their ministries programs with some aided by support from international agencies.

In reducing poverty, the ministry of national development, investment and culture, implemented the Social Investment Fund, Belize Rural Development Programme, and the Toledo Strategy and Action Plan (TSAP).

Goals of the Social Investment Fund (data available since 1997) are to improve social stability and increase economic productivity. The program addresses primarily infrastructure projects such as potable water, roads, drains, health and education facilities, in addition to supporting projects for community empowerment.

The Belize Rural Development Programme, created in 2006, goal is to alleviate poverty in rural areas. Documents record aid from US and Europe in program funding. For the most part, sources record Garifuna exclusion from this project due to their high population concentration in Belizean urban regions.

Another program, the Toledo Strategy and Action Plan, was established as part of the government’s Environmental and Technical Assistance Project with the 2006 Toledo Development Corporation. Poverty reduction as priority areas of investment is focused on geographical areas of: agriculture, and fisheries, education and awareness, infrastructure. Sources record a lack of national consensus, as the 2006-2009 TSAP was developed without efficient consultation from the southern district residents Garifuna or Maya.47

In addressing health concerns, the ministry of health establishes leadership, addressing such needs with its varied programs. One such program is the Belize National Health Agenda 2007-2011, with its goals of targeting indigenous peoples (Garinagu included) in distant communities that are in need of health professionals in addition of implementing preventive programs for improvement in health.

Fortunately, health facilities are available in the urban location located in southern districts, which sustain the largest population concentration of Garinagu. Data from 2007 show Belize southern district comprising two public hospitals, 14 health centers and 12 health posts serving 61,000 residents.

One of the public hospitals is in Dangriga (52 beds) offering both primary and secondary care services. The other hospital in Punta Gorda (30 beds) also provides primary care services with specialist clinics offered by visiting physicians.48

The ministry of education’s actions at addressing issues of education policy and culture for its underrepresented population is initiated through several programs. One such program is the ministry of education’s 2005 action plan for 2005-2010 seeking improvements in its southern districts of Toledo and Stann Creek. Improvement sought comprises improving all level of education indices.

It is described that there is no national government policy on intercultural and bilingual education in Belize.49 However, groups such as the Maya Leaders Alliance and the National Garifuna Council’s successful lobbying efforts resulted in establishing intercultural bilingual education for each respective group. The Tumul K’in Center pilot project with the National Garifuna Council and Maya Leaders Alliance, introduced bilingual and intercultural education in three primary schools in Belize; the Garifuna’s Gullisi Community Primary School, established in 2007 by the NGC in Dangriga is one. This school follows the national curriculum, however, incorporates Garifuna culture and language in the lessons.50 The schools are described as a UNICEF supported project.

Political Representatives

Belizean Garinagu political representatives outnumber their ethnic counterparts in the Central American region. Several Garifuna have also served as Cabinet members, as judges in the Judiciary, the House and Senate, and local governments.

Governance in Belize differs in villages compared to townships. In the villages Garinagu sustain the village council system and in the towns they hold local representatives through the town council system and a regional representative in Congress.

One of the early local representatives was Catarino Joseph Benguche JP. who was born 1896 in Trujillo, Honduras. Benguche began his career in public service at an early age. He served as an acting district commissioner in Stann Creek and Toledo Districts, justice of the peace, in addition to serving in Belize City. In 1946, he was elected a member, afterwards chairman of the Stann Creek Town Board. Benguche was re-elected in 1954 and also served in the Stann Creek Town Board in 1961.51 In 1954 he was elected as Town Board Councillor with the National Party-GWU in the Stann Creek District.

Another Garinagu elected, however as area representative, from the Toledo District two terms representing the PUP 1957- 65 was Faustino Zuniga. Zuniga previously in 1957, 1961, and 1963 served in the Town Council in the Toledo District.

The other Garinagu who was elected starting in 1957 as an area representative for consecutive terms was David Mckoy with the PUP, representing the Stann Creek District. Mckoy is the longest serving Garinagu representative and also held several post such as minister of labour and social services. In 1967 Mckoy invited three Caribs from St Vincent to Belize.

Benguche, Zuniga and Mckoy are also listed as active participants in the birth of the political nationalist movement (for independence?) and trade unionism. Another Garinagu town board councilor Charles Martinez also served as area representative (1969-1974) from the Toledo District representing the PUP. He is also listed involved in the nationalist movement and trade unionism efforts in the former British colony.52 Prior to becoming area representative, Martinez was first elected in 1963 and served in the Toledo Town council a number of years.

40 ibid 42
41 ibid Ewens, Debbie. 1996. “Belize.” in Afro-Central Americans: Rediscovering the African Heritage. edited by Minority Rights Group
42 ibid
43 Garinagu anthropologist Dr Joseph Palacio sustained a significant role organizing and serving as coordinator of COIP Secretariat (Office) and inviting the Toledo Maya Council to participate. Garifuna History, Language & Culture of Belize, Central America, & The Caribbean, Bicentennial Edition 41; Palacio, Joseph. “Looking at ourselves in the Mirror”
44 Garifuna History, Language & Culture of Belize, Central America, & The Caribbean, Bicentennial Edition p.39-40
45 ibid p. 42.
46 Palacios O. Joseph. 2005. The Garifuna, A nation across borders: Essays in Social Anthropology Cubola, Belize, 113
47 Ibid 240
48 Garifuna History, Language & Culture of Belize, Central America, & The Caribbean, Bicentennial Edition p.33; Ministry of Health http://shr.health.gov.bz/ retrieved 1/4/2014.
49 Garifuna History, Language & Culture of Belize, Central America, & The Caribbean, Bicentennial Edition 243
50 Ibid 244
51 “The Biography of lieutenant Catarino Joseph Benguch J.P.” December 10, 1982 AMANDLA page 7
52 Garifuna History, Language & Culture of Belize, Central America, & The Caribbean, Bicentennial Edition