Garifuna Foundation reflects, and shares 2026 calendar of events
THE GARIFUNA Heritage Foundation of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been reflecting on 2025, and shared its activities for 2026.
In a message, the Foundation expressed gratitude to those who have supported its work.
“Your unwavering support sustains us and inspires us to continue the vital work of promoting the Garifuna Heritage and culture in St.Vincent and the Grenadines and across the diaspora,” the message stated in part.
It said 2025 has thrown up challenges each of which reminds the team of the importance of resilience and creativity.
“Looking ahead to 2026 we are excited to share that the coming year will bring further opportunities to celebrate the Garifuna Heritage and culture and to engage in the process of taking this culture forward,” the Foundation also stated in its message.
The 13th Edition of the International Garifuna Conference will be held in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Global Campus (St.Vincent) from March 11- 13, 2026 under the Theme :“Sacred Grounds, Strategic Goals: Inclusion, Reparations, Balliceaux and the 2030 Pathway to Garifuna Empowerment”. The Foundation promises that the conference again promises to generate impactful ideas and strategies emerging from dynamic panels, workshops and keynote speakers.
The 11th National School’s Garifuna Folk Festival & History Exhibition “ our signature youth event”, is scheduled to take place on March 6, 2026 at the Victoria Park Kingstown- renamed ‘Independence Park’ by the former prime minister during the annual independence day address. The Foundation promises that the Festival will continue to spotlight the creativity of the children of SVG as they increase their awareness of the Indigenous Heritage of the nation.
“ A major focus of our 2026 agenda will be to work with local, regional and international agencies to assist the Government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines as it seeks to conceptualise, structure and implement a programme for the development of Balliceaux as a sacred space for the Garifuna Diaspora and a National Heritage site for all Vincentians.” The 320 acre uninhabited island of Balliceaux was acquired by the Unity Labour Party administration just ahead of the annual March 13 National Heroes and Heritage Day celebrations.
“We commend the recently elected government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines for the establishment of a new Ministry of National Heritage and the appointment of the first woman of Kalinago/Garifuna descent to become the new Minister,” the Foundation also said. “We look forward to meaningful collaboration in advancing cultural awareness and protecting ancestral legacy.”
The Foundation said it continues to liaise with its regional partners as well as the Ministry of Education here in SVG to promote the development and implementation of a Garifuna Language learning programme which can be taught in primary and secondary schools.
“We will encourage the development and promotion of positive images of the Garifuna and Kalinago Heritage in St.Vincent and the Grenadines,” with particular reference to National Hero, Paramount Chief the Right Excellent, Joseph Chatoyer within the creative industries as well as in Public spaces.
“Wishing you, your families and your communities peace and prosperity and the Blessings of the Ancestors.”
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