Annual Garifuna convention held in San Pedro
The National Garifuna Council of Belize (NGC) held its 31st Annual Convention on Friday, May 22nd through Sunday, May 24th in San Pedro Town. The major highlights of this year's convention included workshops on various selected topics and a live performance from the Garifuna Collective Band. The 2015 theme is: "Bungiu Lerebei Sun Katei. Lidan Yein Fureindei luma Benefa� Awanseruni houn Garinagu- which means: God is the strength of all things. Garifuna progress comes from education and hard work."
The convention started with an opening ceremony at the Lion's Den on the evening of Friday, May 22nd Remarks were delivered by the NGC Board of Directors after which the public was entertained with Garifuna drumming and dance presentations by the San Pedro Dance Company. NGC President and Assistance Commissioner of Police, Robert Mariano took the opportunity to call awareness to the Garifuna culture. "We have been looking at things that are affecting our culture and at the same time discuss what we can do to promote our culture and its continuity in Belize," said Mariano. He also mentioned that this year's convention is one of the largest held yet outside of Dangriga, with over 200 Garifuna persons from around the country attending. The night could not have been complete without the popular Jankunu dance. The crowd was delighted with the beat of the drums and the Jankunu dancers as the first day came to its end.
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