On Saturday, September 17th, Alex Noralez was elected as the new president for the National Garifuna Council (NGC) San Pedro Branch. During the election session new board members were also elected who will work along with Noralez in his tenure as head of the Council for the next two years.
Other elected board members of the local chapter of the NGC include Virginia Melendez as Vice President, Eden Velasquez as Secretary, Elsy Guilty as Assistant Secretary, Elroy Castillo as Treasurer and Amancia Martinez as the Assistant Treasurer.
After confirming that he was the elected president, Noralez thanked everyone who supported him in this new venture. He pledged to work arduously along with the new elected officials and the community. “I am elated to serve my people, and I look forward to working with all,” said Noralez. “As we promote our culture, we will organize so as to give our community and all visitors a true Garifuna culture experience.”
With the Garifuna Settlement Day festivities fast approaching the Council is already preparing to organize fun activities to commemorate such special occasions for the Garinagu people. Earlier in September, the 2016 Garifuna Celebrations theme was announced: “Rísiti, Pántati, Gabafuti, Iúnrahowa meme la” which in English means – ‘Rich, Proud, and Powerful: let us continue to preserve it.”
In a congratulatory note from the National Assistant Treasurer, Oscar Marcello, outgoing president of the San Pedro NGC Elroy Castillo was acknowledged for his excellent work and dedication during his term as president. “Thanks to Elroy Castillo, who ensured that there is a NGC presence on the island,” highlighted the note.
The San Pedro Sun joins the entire community in congratulating the newly elected board members of the National Garifuna Council San Pedro Branch, and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
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