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Copyright 2010 by Teofilo Colon Jr. (a.k.a. “Tio Teo”) for Being Garifuna. All Rights Reserved. Contact Tio Teo.
February 21st 2010.
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Belize, Central America — I just came across an open letter from Luke Palacio addressed to the National Garifuna Council. It’s regarding objections to recent decisions that organization has made in regards to Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations in Belize.
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I reprint this Open Letter for Historical purposes. I do not know Luke Palacio and how he fits into all of this. I also am not aware of any response to this Open Letter by the National Garifuna Council.
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It’s not surprising to hear of dissent of Organizations that speak and advocate for different ethnic groups. This matter (and the rivalries, positioning for clout and overall competitiveness that may lie underneath it) is instructive and is another reason why I print this letter.
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Hopefully, this matter is resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned parties.
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Founded in 1969, Amandala is a newspaper based out of Belize.
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January 27th, 2010
Ernesto Castro
National President of the National Garifuna Council
Dear Sir,
In 1941 the 19th of November celebrations were created by Thomas Vincent Ramos for all Garinagu of Belize, for them to be united and also for them to achieve financial success.
Your organization, “The National Garifuna Council,” was formed in 1978 and was registered as a company with different objectives that should remind you that you and your officers have no right to take control over our sacred program given to us, the people of Dangriga, the official ceremony of the 19th of November by Thomas Vincent Ramos.
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We have tried to accept all of you as part of the Garifuna fold; instead you violated the trust that we have for you as leaders. We will not continue to accept you as our leaders anymore because you have failed miserably to keep all Garinagu united.
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In the event you again disrespectfully move the official ceremony of the 19th of November from Dangriga, we will sue for 2 million dollars, for the exploitaion of about thirty thousand Garinagu of Belize. They are not your supporters and they are not your members, but they are the supporters of T.V. Ramos’ program; the 19th of November celebrations.
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Thirty thousand; take note of it as your homework. Stop using our Garifuna image to survive. Take note also that your company deceived over three hundred thousand Belizeans by using false authority without the approval of the majority Garinagu.
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Stop using T.V. Ramos program to survive.
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Very sincerely,
For the people of Dangriga
(Signed) Luke Palacio
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