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History

The Timeline *Uprooted and moving forward

Year Timeline – Uprooted and Moving Forward
1220
Carib and Arawak mixed, abandoned settlement in South America and migrated to the Lesser Antilles mainly on the island of St. Vincent
1517
African Slaves imported to the New World
1635
African shipwrecks off the coast of St. Vincent. Island Caribs mixes with Africans result in the birth of the Black Caribs – Garifuna (singular) or Garinagu (plural)
1676
increase growth in the population of Garifuna people in St. Vincent
1769-1796
First and Second Carib War with Britain. Treaty of Aix La Chapelle – Land partitioning between Britain and France to include land owned by Black Caribs.
Timeless
Garifuna people now with no land were gathered by the British soldiers and exiled with internment to the island of Baliceaux. British falsely accuse Garinagu of cannibalism to ensure no one grants assistance.

OUR DISPLACEMENT AND RESILIENCE BEGINS.

1797
The Garifuna people arrive and settle in Roatan Island in the Bay of Honduras. Allowed to stay by the Spaniards because they showed themselves to be honest and hardworking, dismissing the British claim.
1802-1812
The arrival of Garinagu in Belize after fleeing from Republican revolt in Honduras, led by Alejo Benni.
1832-1900
Mass exodus of Garinagu to Belize settling near the coastal areas in Dangriga, Punta Gorda, Barranco, Livingston and Hopkins, where they predominately live today. Nov 19th 1941Founding of Garifuna Settlement Day by T.V. Ramos.
1977
Government declaration of Garifuna Settlement Day – a public holiday in Belize
1987
The formation of the National Garifuna Council whose purpose is to preserve, strengthen and develop the Garifuna Culture.
2001
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, proclaimed the Garifuna Language, Music and Dance a Masterpiece of the Oral and intangible Heritage of Humanity.
2007
Forming of CAME, International, now GAMAE, International, whose sole purpose is to preserve, protect and promote the Garifuna Culture among youth and young adults in the United States and abroad.
2012
Marks 210 years of Garifuna settlement in Belize. The decision to restructure GAMAE, International, with efforts to recruit and collaborate with key leaders to assist us in economic development for the Garifuna people.
2012-Present
GAMAE International working to build capacity by creating alliances with academic institutions, global agencies, and volunteers to address the challenges facing the Garifuna communities in Southern Belize, Central America.