Garifuna Landing on Roatan

On April 12th, 1797, around 3,000 Garifuna tribesmen and women landed on Roatan Island after losing a century-long war with the British army. The once native people to the region of Lesser Antilles had been living amongst (but segregated from) the Amerindian tribes that occupied that region and others like San Vincente. The British army, which was also receiving funding from the French, distinguished that it was only the "Black Carib's" that had to vacate, and not those who belonged to the "Red or Yellow Carib's." Around 5,000 Garifuna were packed into a series of ships and sent to the island of Roatan, only half survived the journey. Landing on a region of the island named Punta Gorda, a large majority of "Islanders" live there now, however their diaspora reaches to almost every end of Roatan and the smaller islands of Utila, Guanaja, Cayos Cochinos and many other areas around along the Caribbean coastline.

This day is their Independence Day. But the connotations of "blaze and glory" we associate with our Fourth of July isn't a shared sentiment amongst these people. What they celebrate is the preservation and and the general adoration for their ancestors. Their legends are full of myth, lore, and mysticisms. An oral history of ghosts and tokens remain vibrant to this day.
This celebration was small in nature but it was fascinating to witness the traditional dances with the inherent garb. Garifuna-style food was made (many dishes included iguana), and children commandeered their parents dory's once the landing had commenced. What I enjoy most about cultural events like this is that they are rare to the Western eye. With our own Black heritage in the U.S., little if anything is taught about the Garifuna or Black Carib's. Theirs is a culture of suffering which continues to this very day. They are impoverished, and their island home is being taken away from them... quickly.

Hey everyone,

First off I would like to say thank you for your comments and support these past few months. It's because of you that I continue to share my experiences and your interest means I must be doing something right. It has been a real whirlwind and as I mentioned in my last note, island life comes both with its good and bad factors. It truly has been the experience of a lifetime and I'm only halfway through.

I have been working with (in my opinion) one of the most important NGO's here on the island, called Living Water 4 Roatan, an organization that works to supply water throughout Roatan's largest barrio, La Colonia, an area in which I have spent ample time since last September. What makes LW4R so special is that it is an oranization that works on self, or locally sustainable resources. It is their water to use and manage, the NGO only works to provide supplies, educating, and salaries for those who work and live inside the barrio of around 7,000 people. This has proven difficult not only because of the near mountainous terrain but also the Patronas which take ownership of the four districts that compile La Colonoia; Balfonte, Policarpo, Monte Cristo, and Bellavista. The majority of work LW4R has done is located in Policarpo which is the largest region and holds the highest number of youths, which are most likely to contract water related illnesses. Little know that fatalities due to drinking contaminated water account for more deaths worldwide than those related to all the wars currently being fought, around 3.75 million per year.

If you would like to help in any way, please contact them at Henry@LW4R.com

On a lighter note I recently arrived home after embarking on a four day journey through Honduras, visiting the Mayan ruins in a small, sleepy little town named Copan. Considered the Paris of the Mayan culture, the ruins are not as big as those found in Tikal, Guatemala, which are staggeringly big, but known for the intricate and highly detailed inscriptions and carvings. It was also the last regional capital of the Mayan's and quite obviously held the most advanced techniques of their technology. The tour was amazing and it was an incredibly experience trekking about the same areas which were occupied by an amazing culture more than a millennium ago. However, what I found most appealing about Copan was the quant and charming town located about 1km away from the ruinas. Although it's about a 14 hour trip through the Honduran countryside, I strongly recommend the journey. Honduras is the most mountainous country in Central America, and the views along the way are simply breathtaking.



Aside from that I continue to try and capture images wherever I can. And even though I have spent ample time on this small island, the colors, people, and scenery still amaze me. Although day-to-day I long for my family and friends, I wake up each day feeling more and more at home. With your support may I continue to grow and learn at every turn.
Take care and God bless.

-Ben

Assimilation and Other Astonishing Things

Where do I begin with nothing incredible or bizarre to report just yet. Up to now in the blogs preceding this one I have kept busy at reflecting upon my "visceral" experience here in Roatan. Which seemed to progress something like this.

1. Initial reaction / culture shock
2. Naive yet genuine attempt at understanding social changes
3. Acceptance of knowing nothing about these people (Socrates would be pleased at this)
4. Further culture shock after accepting that I know nothing
5. Dengue fever scare
6. Frustration with constant barrage of Western influence
7. Got a back account

Steps, 8, 9 and ten are still in the works.

As of now it seems as though I'm floating through the streets in a world I don't belong in. There have been few Gringos who have come to this foreign world with intentions other than; "seeing some rad stuff down there."

So let's see... What rad stuff have I been doing?


I've learned to windsurf. Gone sailing on a handmade sail boat that is as old as my father. Seen a practically spontaneous airshow on a pristine beach. Met the President of Honduras. Met a man by the name of Don Julio is the REAL President of Honduras... In monetary terms of course. Flown on a seaplane around the Island, and managed to stay just as pale-white as when I left.
For some reason out here, all of this seems incredibly normal. Each day is just one more opportunity to experience yet another anomaly. The power goes out just about every day, as does the internet connection. The ATM'S don't work and the Alcalde (Mayor) has since initiated Marshall Law after ten p.m. in urban areas. There are now officially four (count em', 1 - 2 - 3 - 4) separate police and military entities patrolling the island at all times. Giving me the feeling that this place is less secure now than it was without them. This may sound ludicrous however it is widely known and accepted that the authoritarian forces here are far more corrupt than your common drug dealer (who most likely got his supply from the said authoritarians).

If I have learned anything for certain during my stay here it is this; often times the cliches in life can be quite convincing as a reality. Don't fight it.


However, pessimism aside, I really do enjoy it here. The pace of life reminds me of a small, sleepy Iowa town after taking a Valium. Nobody really keeps time or checks the weather because what's the point? The people are very hospitable and sometimes down right enjoyable. And I have found solace and confidence in the person I constantly pursue at being. My own, so called attempt at emulating some sort of idyllic creation of a man. Not really a pretend friend, but almost. I strive to be him. My almost pretend friend... who is just swell by the way.
And I hope to make you all proud,
my friends and family.
God bless you.

A Visit From El Presidente

The other day I had the privilege of covering the Honduran national president, Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo and the minister of security, Oscar Alvarez, left, during an innauguration for the island's newest cruise ship destination. "Problemas de seguridad" have been a serious issue on the island as of late and the diplomatic pair acted bold in their rhetoric, condemning not only those who have acted in violent acts, but also the buzz which surrounds it. However many have argued their respective speeches were nothing more than a spoke within the political wheel that constantly revolves around what has been said before, and the lack of tangible responses. Mostly to ease the nerves of the wealthy gringos that this island so desperately leans upon in terms of financial thinking.