GARIFUNA ANCESTRAL HOMELAND
Since the Exile of 1797, Garinagu from the diaspora have yearned to return to St. Vincent, also known to them as Yurumein, the Ancestral Homeland. While this was once only a dream, in recent decades it has become a reality. More and more Garinagu are returning, driven by the desire to reconnect with their roots. Here is what some of them have shared about their profound experiences:
“For the Garinagu people, Yurumein, also known as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, represents the cherished homeland of our ancestors and the cradle of our cultural identity. It is a sacred place that holds the memory of our rich heritage, history, and resilience. Yurumein symbolises the deep connection to spiritual roots, where our ancestors once thrived before being forcibly exiled in the 18th century. For the Garinagu, Yurumein is not just a physical location but a powerful symbol of survival, cultural continuity, and the enduring spirit of our people.”
“Yurumein and its surrounding areas are where our African roots and New World ancestry came together to form the Garifuna people. For me, Yurumein is our ancestral homeland, while Africa is our spiritual home. Yurumein is more than a physical space; it is a state of mind, a place of peace, tranquillity, and belonging. Our history is that of a people exiled from their homeland, and ever since, we have been in constant displacement and under oppression. My first visit to Yurumein was transformative. Walking the same grounds as my ancestors was deeply emotional. I felt their joy and pride, which moved me to tears. But when I gazed towards Balliceaux, I felt their pain, frustration, and determination to survive so that we could be here today to share their story.”
“People who have experienced forced migration often practise pilgrimages to reconnect with their homeland. For me, the journey to Yurumein serves as a reminder of my people’s resilience. The pilgrimage is an act of survival, an appreciation of our roots, and a reconnection with others across Yurumein, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Belize. Reliving the journey of our ancestors, especially the harrowing trek to and from Balliceaux, has shaped my identity. Men, women, and children survived under unimaginable conditions in the face of a plan designed to destroy them. Their story is my inspiration.”
For the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Yurumein), the designation of Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer as a national hero and the declaration of March 14, the anniversary of his death, as a national holiday are significant milestones. These actions represent a vital step in reckoning with the Garifuna chapters of our history. The Garifuna story is central to Vincentian identity, symbolising national pride, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for self-determination.
However, the 1797 exile had devastating consequences, including the near-total collapse of Garifuna identity in Yurumein. The colonisers strategically marginalised the Garinagu, erasing their language and much of their culture from the ancestral homeland.
Today, while Chatoyer remains a potent symbol of national identity, more efforts are needed to re-establish Yurumein’s Garifuna identity. Building kinship between Vincentians and Garinagu in the diaspora requires collaborative efforts to reintegrate the Garifuna language and cultural elements into Yurumein. Strategic partnerships between local actors and diaspora groups are essential. Initiatives like the *Vincy Homecoming* of 2009, which brought together local government agencies and Garifuna social groups, were steps in the right direction and should be continued and expanded. Let Yurumein once again thrive as the heart of Garifuna culture and heritage.
