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December 5, 2024 — Wednesday, November 27th, marked a transcendental moment in the history of relations between the Garífuna people and the Guatemalan State. In Livingston, the department of Izabal, President Bernardo Arévalo signed a joint work agenda with various Garifuna organizations, officially recognizing the demands and rights of this historically marginalized Afro-descendant people.
The ceremony, which brought together Garifuna leaders, government, and civil society representatives, reflected a joint effort to address crucial issues such as economic development, education, health, infrastructure, and the environment. Among the signatories were prominent Garifuna leaders such as Arnold Ciego (Hijos de Livingston and Alianza Americas board member), Ingrid Gamboa (Asociación ISERI IBAGARI), and Mario Ellington (ONEGUA), as well as national and local authorities, including INGUAT Director Harris Whitbeck and Livingston Mayor Enrique Xol.
The agreement recognizes the Garifuna people as an integral part of Guatemala's multicultural fabric, with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage that contributes significantly to the country's diversity. This gesture, led by Garífuna organizations and accompanied by President Arévalo, sets a precedent in promoting an inclusive democracy that integrates historically excluded communities.
The agenda sets out concrete initiatives in key areas. In education, bilingual and intercultural programs will be promoted, and the Garifuna language will be preserved. In health, the implementation of culturally relevant services and the recognition of ancestral practices will be promoted. In the economic sphere, tourism projects and the strengthening of productive activities of the community, such as the production of cassava and the promotion of Garifuna music and dance, stand out.
In addition, the agenda addresses infrastructure issues, such as the construction of a seawall in Livingston, and environmental commitments, such as beach cleanup and solid waste management. These projects seek to improve the community's living conditions and promote self-sufficiency and resilience.
The agreement reaffirms the Guatemalan government's commitment to working with the Garifuna people to overcome racism and structural discrimination. This territorial dialogue not only strengthens institutionality but also opens the door to more active participation of the Garifuna in the country's political and social life.
The signing of this joint work agenda symbolizes an essential step towards a more equitable society in which the cultural wealth of the Garifuna people is valued and protected. The challenge now lies in ensuring that these commitments are translated into concrete actions that promote the well-being of Garifuna communities and strengthen the democratic fabric of Guatemala.
