We sat down with Garifuna Ambassador Nana Barouda Lubafu Isieni ('Powerful Spirit' in Garifuna) - Cynthia Ellis Topsey over lunch to learn about the origins of the annual Cassava Conference held in Punta Gorda in the lead up to Garifuna Settlement Celebrations and Parade on November 19th, that takes place in Dangriga. She shared that Dawn Stewart a nurse and activist for the University of Guyana initially inspired the concept. Later a Southern Black Girls Dream Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, inspired a discussion about the importance of cassava in the diet of the African diaspora. When they considered how important it is as a main source of sustenance, it made sense to center a cultural gathering to preserve the diasporic connections to this treasured Indigenous food staple.
This year the conference will occur between November 12-15, beginning in Belmopan and making its way to Punta Gorda. The Conference kicks off with the new book launch of "The Spirit of Marronage: Expressions of Afrikan Indigenous Heritage" written in collaboration with Nana Barouda Lubafu Isieni - Cynthia Ellis Topsey and edited by Ping-Ann Ado and Diana J. Fox, Professor and Chair Anthropology Department Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.
The attendees then make their way from the University of Belize in Belmopan south to Punta Gorda for the main part of the event for an additional 3 days. The line up will include guest speakers, cassava culinary demonstrations; cassava Mini Expo & Marketplace and traditional craft and cultural workshop. A field visit to Cerro Archaeological Site is also planned, as well as, a "Battle of the Drums" to bring the much beloved sounds from throughout Belize.
People of all ages and families are welcome to attend to learn more about and experience the culture!
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