The Cuban Ambassador to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Vilma Reyes Valdespino, paid tribute to the Vincentian National Hero Joseph Chatoyer, in the framework of the central activity for the 222ndanniversary of his death by the hands of the British colonial power.
The ceremony, which is held every year on the Dorsetshire hill, was presided over by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and was attended by the Governor-General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, representatives of Parliament, and members of the accredited diplomatic corps, The Garífuna Heritage Foundation, among others.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves stressed the importance of knowing, preserving and strengthening the nation's link with its roots and pointed out that this does not mean living in the past, but living in history, knowing where we come from and where we are going.
The solemn activity also had h the participation of the Garífuna Folkloric Ballet "Joseph Chatoyer" of New York, which is a group of young musicians and dancers, direct descendants of the Garifuna, who dedicates themselves to cultivate and spread the culture, folkloric and history of the Garífuna people.