Tonight, on the eve of the 202nd anniversary of their arrival on the Central American shores, the Garifuna people have a museum honoring their culture. The Gulisi Garifuna Museum was opened this afternoon in Dangriga town in ceremonies led by the Prime Minister and the primary sponsor of the project the Taiwanese Ambassador Charles Tsai.
Charles Tsai, Taiwan Ambassador
"I am very happy to see that the Garifuna Museum was officially opened. It is only through this cultural exchange that the relation between Belize and Taiwan will be enhanced. The completion of the museum will not only serve as a wonderful means of helping the Garifuna people preserve their cultural architects but also for future generations to be able to learn about their culture and heritage."
Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister
"Dangriga is commonly referred to us as the culture capital of Belize. This is because of the rich and vibrant culture of our Garifuna Belizeans as manifested in their music, dance, art, and traditions. And while it is true that a sort of Belizean cultural renaissance is underway in Belize, it must be recognized that the Garifuna culture was and is the wellspring that has driven this new appreciation for and promotion of art and culture in Belize. It is only fitting then that today on the eve of Garifuna Settlement Day, we open this Gulisi Garifuna Museum here in Dangriga which will undoubtedly become a cultural landmark for all Garifuna people and all Belizeans and all who visit."
After the ceremony, Prime Minister Musa cut the ribbon declaring the museum open. The venue was curated by Yasser Musa with assistance from Gilvano Swasey and Michael Gordon. The event was followed by the signing of an 8 point agreement by Minister of Culture Mark Espat and Garifuna Council President Mike Polonio in which NICH agrees to support the museum.
And if you're wondering where the name "Gulisi" comes from, Garifuna history records her as a daughter of paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer and a great ancestor. She is one of the first Garifuna women to settle in Belize with her thirteen sons who carried the surname Lambey.