NGC Agenda
Core Problem Statement
Garifuna identity, land security, and socioeconomic mobility are eroding due to: (1) displacement from traditional lands and marine access; (2) schooling that sidelines Garifuna language/history; (3) limited health access; (4) underinvestment in community economic engines; and (5) perceived discrimination in public institutions.
(1) Land & Maritime Rights
-
Recognize collective rights to lands historically used for subsistence, culture, and worship; protect access to cayes and coastal resources.
-
Halt policies that alienate village perimeters (e.g., Hopkins, Seine Bight); require environmental & social safeguards.
-
Commitments 1–3: Legal recognition of customary use; structured consultation with NGC on land/maritime matters; accede to ILO Convention 169.
(2) Education Access & Relevance
-
Reverse decline in quality/relevance; expand bursaries, transport, and job-entry skills in the south; promote STEM alongside arts; ensure digital literacy.
-
Commitment 4: Improve basic-to-tertiary access, skills pipelines, and technology enablement.
(3) Language, Culture, Identity
-
Embed Garifuna language, history, and arts in local curricula; fund advanced study (culture, folk medicine, archaeology); co-develop materials and teacher training with NGC.
-
Commitment 5: Mandate MoE–NGC collaboration with policy clarity and financial support.
(4) Health Equity
-
Address southern district access gaps (emergency transport, specialist care); reduce cost barriers; research high-incidence diseases (diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis, eye diseases); expand dialysis access.
-
Commitments 6–7: Guarantee affordable, quality care and fund targeted research and treatment.
(5) Community & Economic Development
-
Rebuild agricultural/fisheries capacity; finance crafts, music, and small industry; design co-ops/credit unions aligned to Garifuna social structures; prioritize women and youth; end political interference in local governance.
-
Commitments 8–10: Community-led diagnostics and projects; respect traditional/elected authorities; finance NGC-anchored community institutions.
(6) Social Justice & Inclusion
-
Investigate and remedy perceived discrimination against Garifuna professionals; address abuse, addiction, and urban hardship; ensure equitable treatment of Garifuna migrants/refugees; upgrade village infrastructure and shelters.
-
Commitment 11: Concrete actions to change patterns and perceptions of neglect and discrimination
Political parties and office-seekers must publicly adopt these commitments and engage the National Garifuna Council as the convening authority for policy design, implementation, and accountability.