Some time ago, an ad hoc group of Garifuna men and women got together to discuss the possibility of forming a Garifuna writer's group. The men and women had no specific agenda around which they would meet. However, one thing they knew was the group meetings served a much greater purpose--preserving their cultural heritage. The group insisted on a non-conventional approach but made room for writings which promote the rich oral and pictorial Garifuna traditions. The informal writer's group had no chair, treasurer, or secretary.  There was a vision of introducing a new and creative way. 


Amidst much heated debate, the group resolved some crucial issues. This was the catalyst which ignited the group to move uniformly forward. Still the group's progress was impeded by the lack of institutional support and physical distance. It became apparent and critical that the group find alternative ways of meeting. Suffice it to say, there were several enthusiastic meetings with personal friends and relatives.   The group shared many of their own fledgling writings and stories.   Some brought their personal work, while others brought their oral renderings.   They took all contributions in stride: the good, the bad and the ugly.   Room was made for listening and critiquing all the work that was brought forward. The writer's group needed to encourage the elders to join and bring the oral tradition to the forefront. The group was adamant that the oral tradition must be part of this important enterprise.   However, the reality of traveling miles became an economic challenge for many of us and we had to entertain the notion of using technology. So here we are: the birth of the on-line Garifuna magazine.


It is the vision of this newspaper’s publisher that we would have an online magazine that would chronicle our ideas of our cultural heritage.   The internet and its accompanying technology can harness as much of the cultural phenomenon without the encumbrances of an office space, paper, ink and so on.   On the internet we can practically “do our own thing.”   We can have art work, photo exhibitions, craft, advertise banners, record cultural events, music cds, video events, and promote snippets of religious ceremonies. The possibilities are endless.   The only stipulation for articles to be presented in Dimurei.com is that it be by Garifuna or pertaining to Garifuna.

That said we are launching the first of a series. Think of this like a cyber-museum.   We are promoting an understanding of the living and the dead.   Ours is here to keep the culture alive.   In so doing we record to pass on.   Welcome all: accountants, economists, religious counselors, educators, attorneys, farmers, players of instruments….all and sundry.   Pictures, writing and recordings will be on display.   Give and take: we creators newly improve on what has been left for us by our predecessors.   With the onslaught of globalization and mass migration, it is urgent that we change the divisive disbelief of kinship.   Togetherness should be philosophy of Garifuna pride.   This is a forum for open dialogue.   You may write in English, Spanish or Garifuna.   Ubafu luma darangila. Aban isieni.  




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Where the Past Intersects the Present


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