Kalinago group makes first voyage in traditionally built canoe

A group of Kalinago descendants have become the first residents of this country in almost 400 years to make a voyage by sea in a traditionally built Garifuna pirogue.

The event was witnessed by a modest gathering last Monday, March 21, as the group rowed into Rose Place beach from Lowmans Bay on the Leeward side of the island.{{more}}

Spokesman for the group Augustine ‘Sardo’ Sutherland said that journey was not an easy task for the six-man crew, especially when it overturned midway through the voyage.

“When the canoe start meet the choppy water, we turn over… but we go back again. We know that would have happened, but we are strong warriors – we survived…

“The journey was real rugged, but we made it!” he enthused.

Sutherland further said that the six-man crew camped at Lowmans Bay the night before to prepare for the journey, during which they shared a meal which they cooked underground.

He also said that he hopes to make this trip an annual event, in which they remember and honour the memory of their Kalinago ancestors.

“We want as many people – especially schoolchildren – to know and see the true canoe built by one piece of wood like our ancestors did.”

According to Sutherland, the pirogue is carved out of a single tree trunk of the Gummy tree, and, at 25 feet long, was constructed using tools such as axes and hatchets.

SEARCHLIGHT first reported on the completion of this pirogue in its February 24, 2015 edition, in which Sutherland explained that the vessel had taken a year to complete and that the Kalinago group was seeking funding to make its first sea voyage.

Since then, the pirogue was being stored at the Kalinago Tribe Headquarters in New Montrose, which is located opposite the Kingstown Cemetery.

Sutherland also said that the group had financial assistance from German non-governmental organization ‘Friends of People Close to Nature’, and technical and transport assistance from the Forestry Division.

The vessel was captained by Rex ‘I-Jaman’ Levi Browne, and the rest of the crew included Augustine Sutherland, Vanwayne Lavia, Sherwin Peters, Kawayne Child and Codmus Francois.

Brief remarks were also given by Maxine Browne, representative from the Culture Department. (JSV)