Before the end of this month, a delegation of Garifuna leaders is expected to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines, and while here, they will address a public meeting of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the North Windward constituency.

The news of the impending visit was disclosed last Saturday evening by Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace, during a meeting of the NDP at Richland Park.{{more}}

Eustace’s announcement came six days after he declared, during a town hall meeting in New York, that all Garifuna living abroad would receive honorary citizenship under a NDP administration.

“In a few days, leaders of the Garifuna movement will come to St Vincent and they will address a public meeting in Garifuna country at Sandy Bay. I can promise you that, before this month is finished,” Eustace announced on Saturday.

While he did not reveal any more of the contingent’s agenda, the Opposition Leader praised the Garifuna people for being resilient, as they were able to maintain their culture and language for the 218 years that they have been exiled. He added that Garifuna see St Vincent and the Grenadines as their home and treat the nationals extremely well whenever they meet.

“When the New Democratic Party comes to office in St Vincent and the Grenadines, they, the Garifuna, will be part of us,” Eustace declared.

“They are going to affect our economy in a positive way. Things like tourism and so on, Garifuna will come here in their thousands. They’re not coming here to stay. They have their own properties in US, Belize, Honduras, and Nicaragua. They intend to participate in life of St Vincent and the Grenadines. And they will do so, not only as tourists, but if they want to go into business, we will welcome them in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”