BELIZE, Wed. Oct. 20, 2021– On Thursday, October 21, the National Garifuna Council (NGC) will host a virtual panel discussion that will be centered on the recognition of Garifuna Land Rights and the importance of the preservation of such rights.

The purpose of the virtual panel is to sensitize the general public, and more importantly the Garinagu people, of Garifuna land rights held by the indigenous residents of various Garifuna communities.

Six coastal communities and two inland communities in the country are inhabited, and were developed, by the Garinagu people.

The National Garifuna Council has noted that many members of these communities have opted to sell their land to foreigners over the years, and they want to now encourage Garifuna people to preserve their ownership of these lands by showing them the value of such a resource.

The virtual panel will feature educational awareness sessions that will be conducted with the various Garifuna communities in the country in an effort to holistically discuss the issues facing the Garinagu people in their communities in regard to their communal ownership of the lands on which their villages are located.