The year, 2017 marks the 220th anniversary of the attempted genocide, forced migration and subsequent resettlement of the Garifuna People to countries in Central America.

To this end, The Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU), is hosting a group of 60 representatives of Garifuna Organisations from Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua and the USA.

The event dubbed, ‘The Pilgrimage of the Garifuna Diaspora to SVG’, will feature a number of activities which began from their arrival on 6th August, and continues to their departure on 15th August. On Thursday 10th August, there will be a Garifuna Mass (Lemesi Garifuna), in memory of their ancestors, at the St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Assumption, Kingstown at 3:30 p.m. Then at 6:00 p.m. at the Peace Memorial Hall, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, will be the featured speaker at the Opening Ceremony at the Peace Memorial Hall. The visiting delegation will also be engaged in a series of visits to Byrea, Rabacca, Sandy Bay, Fort Charlotte, Fancy, among others.

SOURCE: API