Kalinago Week 2024 commenced with a call for unity and cultural preservation as Skeet Tyson was honored as the Cultural Elder of the Year. The recognition took place during a special ceremony in the Kalinago Territory organised by the Division of Kalinago Upliftment in collaboration with the Kalinago Council and Events Committee on Sunday, marking the start of the week’s celebrations. Tyson urged young people to put God first in their lives, advising them, “Take it easy, one day at a time, and have the Lord in our midst first; everything will fall into place.”
The week-long celebration, running from September 15 to 22, is themed “Unity in Diversity, Embracing Kalinago Culture.” Several events have been planned to showcase the rich heritage of the Kalinago people. Cultural Officer Prosper Paris outlined the schedule, which includes activities like a Full Moon Naming Ceremony on September 17 and a Heritage and Legends Day on September 18, targeting Grade Six students to teach them about herbal medicines and Kalinago traditions. The week will also feature a smoke ceremony in honor of Kalinago heroes on September 19 and a Fashion Show showcasing traditional costumes.
Kalinago Chief Anette Thomas-Sanford emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of elders and preserving cultural traditions. She encouraged participation in the National Kalinago Dress Day on Thursday, where Kalinago people worldwide are invited to wear traditional attire. “We need to recognize our elders and their contributions because if information and tradition are not passed on, it will be lost,” she noted.
Minister Cozier Frederick highlighted the theme’s significance, calling for unity among the Kalinago people to achieve their shared goals. “Unity in diversity encapsulates what we are as a unique people in the Kalinago space,” Frederick said, adding that the Kalinago community must harness its resources to create a stronger future for the next generation.
The opening of Kalinago Week 2024 included a church service followed by a Kalinago Expo at Soutamah Park. The day’s events also featured a Traditional Mas Lapo Kabwit competition, where the Sineku Lapo Kabwit Band won the top prize of $1,500.
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