The Garifuna International Forum 2026, organised by Garifuna Heritage UK C.I.C. and hosted by Ulster University's Coleraine campus, brought together community leaders, academics, dignitaries, cultural advocates, and members of the global Garifuna diaspora to discuss heritage, identity, and the future of the Garifuna people.

Held during Black History Month UK, the Forum featured keynote presentations, remarks, panel discussions, and cultural activities highlighting the history, resilience, and contributions of Garífuna communities worldwide. The programme included presentations by Melvin Abdón Flores Yanes, anthropologist Andony Castillo, and Mirtha Colón, and remarks by Consul General Dr. Christopher Stange.

The Forum was officially opened by Jeaneth Suazo, President of Garífuna Heritage UK C.I.C., with proceedings conducted by Dr. Gabriel Guarino, who moderated the discussions throughout the day.

The event strengthened international connections, promoted cultural preservation, and fostered collaboration between Garífuna communities and partners across Europe and the Caribbean.

Jeaneth Suazo, President of Garífuna Heritage UK C.I.C., said: “This Forum celebrates who we are as a people while creating new opportunities for collaboration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment across the global Garífuna diaspora.”

Dr. Christopher Stange, Consul General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, said: “The Garifuna story is one of resilience, heritage, and global impact. This Forum aligns with the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ position that the Garifuna people are an essential part of the nation’s heritage and homeland (Yurumein), actively pursuing land preservation (Balliceaux), language promotion, and deeper diaspora engagement.”

Tourism materials were provided by the Ministry of Tourism for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to all delegates of the Forum through the Consulate General.

SOURCE: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs