Highlights of Garifuna Settlement Day 2025 in Dangriga Belize. Each year, Garinagu in Belize celebrate November 19 as the day they settled in what was then British Honduras. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the ancestral homeland of the Garifuna people.
Photos: Ifasina Efunyemi.
#api #history #connection #garinaguwagia

Update 5 on seismic activity observed north east of the island arc. Please note that auto solutions may not post to social media. Our interactive map has the latest events posted: https://tinyurl.com/mr2vryc4
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#earthquake #education #monitoring #geohazards #caribbean

Detra Gillet
Fort Gross Fredericksburg and the connection to “John Canoe:”

“John Canoe” was the European designation assigned to an Akan warrior from Axim, Ghana, who served as the chief of the Ahanta people. This figure is commemorated in the Junkanoo festival, held annually in the Caribbean each December.

The John Canoe festival was established in the Caribbean by enslaved Akan individuals who supported John Canoe in Fredericksburg and were subsequently enslaved when it fell. The festival incorporated motifs from battles characteristic of Akan culture. The Ashanti swordsman was depicted as the "horned-headed man," while the Ashanti commander became known as "Pitchy patchy," often dressed in battledress adorned with charms known as a "Batakari."

The celebration of "Jankunu” was observed by enslaved Kriol ancestors in Moskitia (formerly the “Mosquito Shore”) and by early Belize settlers. In the early Belize settlement, Kriol dancers on stilts, called "jankanu stik,” performed parades near the courthouse.

Traditional Kriol Junkanoo instruments included whistles, bells, the goombay drum,and shells tied with string to the ankles. Following the adoption of Christianity, many Belizean Kriol ceased participating in these celebrations, perceiving them as pagan.

The Garifuna community continues to observe "HABINAHAN WANARAGUA" through elaborate festivals.

According to the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board:

“Jonn Conny, chief of the Ahanta ethnic group and often referred to as ‘the King of Prinze Terre," served as a key broker for the Prussian trade efforts. He effectively directed trade to the fort, causing revenue declines at the Dutch forts at Axim, Butre, and Sekondi. Records indicate that over ninety-five ships traded with Fort Fredericksburg between 1711 and 1713. In 1717, Brandenburg sold its possessions on the Gold Coast to the Dutch without Conny’s knowledge.

Conny claimed and seized Fort Fredericksburg, maintaining trade lines with multiple nations for seven years and offering significant discounts on gold and slave transactions. His military prowess resulted in successful resistance against Dutch attempts to retake the fort. His heroism is recounted in slave narratives in the Caribbean. When the Dutch finally expelled Conny and his forces in 1724, they discovered that he had removed enough stones from the fort to construct a personal mansion and dividing wall.”

“🏰✨ Dive into history with us! Did you know about Fort Gross Fredericksburg, Princestown (1683)? This Brandenburg fort in Ghana holds tales of luxury, defense, and bustling trade!
Built in the late 17th century by the Brandenburg Africa Company, this fortress stood tall with 32 cannons, guarding against Dutch and British rivalry in the region. But it wasn't just about defense - it was a hotspot for international trade, hosting merchants from far and wide.
Imagine over 95 ships bustling around this fort between 1711 and 1713 alone! Eventually, the Dutch took over after Brandenburg's departure from the Gold Coast in 1717.
Explore the legacy of this unique Germanic outpost that still echoes in the Caribbean today through the John Canoe festivals! 🌊🚢 “

#fortsandcastlesinghana #ghanamuseumsandmonumentsboard #nationalmuseumofghana#gmmb #gta #motca #unesco #unescoghana #officialghanamuseums #ghana #ghanaianhistory#historicfort #fortsofinstagram #beautifulplaces #historicplaces #forts #africa #slavehistory #beyoundthereturn #slavetrade #visitghana #fortgrossfrederiksburg

Source: Ghana Museums & Monuments Board

See also:

https://gmmb.gov.gh/

AND:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com..../history/gold-coast-

The revelation that St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Governor-General earns EC$132,000 a year has sparked national debate. With debt now over EC$800 million and many citizens struggling, people are questioning whether such a salary is justified.

Read Full Story Here: https://tinyurl.com/sby2adw6

https://cloud.mail.iadb.org/Mu....lti_pubLP?page=remit

PART 2: THE WARTIME SECRETS OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
THE AMERICAN PLAN AROUND VENEZUELA

By Pearce Robinson

Most people know the U.S. built bases here during World War II.
What almost nobody knows is why the United States moved so aggressively into Trinidad & Tobago and what their long-term plan was for the region.

Here’s the part that was never taught:

1. The U.S. didn’t just want bases, they wanted a defensive circle around Venezuela.

Washington believed that if Germany ever gained control of Venezuela’s oil or coastline, the entire Caribbean and U.S. mainland could be threatened.
So Trinidad became the anchor point of a “ring of bases” stretching from Chaguaramas all the way up the chain.

This was not public knowledge at the time.

2. British intelligence ran quiet operations out of Port of Spain.

MI5 and British Naval Intelligence used Trinidad as a signal interception post, monitoring ships, coded messages, and suspected pro-Axis activity across the Caribbean.

Small, quiet offices in Port of Spain handled intelligence that fed straight into London and Washington.

3. German spies tried to infiltrate the Caribbean.

British intelligence uncovered attempts by German agents to use neutral ships and sympathetic business contacts in the region to move information, fuel, and materials.

Some of these spy cases were investigated through Trinidad.

4. Chaguaramas was supposed to be the U.S. Navy’s “Pearl Harbor of the Caribbean.”

The original U.S. military blueprint shows that Chaguaramas was intended to become a full naval city, complete with aircraft hangars, submarine facilities, floating dry docks, and anti-aircraft defenses.

Only a fraction of the plan was ever completed, but even that small fraction changed the island forever.

5. War transformed Trinidad’s population.

Tens of thousands of American soldiers passed through.
Communities shifted.
New roads were built.
New cultures mixed.
A new economy took shape.

The country you live in today still carries the imprint of those wartime years.

https://www.telesurenglish.net..../again-trump-dialogu

Today, 19 November 2025, is Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize.

Every year on 19 November, Belize commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people, also known as the Garinagu, to its shores.

The Garifuna are a hybrid people who originated in St. Vincent when Caribs (Amerindians) interbred with Africans.

Approximately 5,000 were exiled to Central American countries following the death of Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer in St. Vincent in 1795.

Those who settled in British Honduras (now Belize) were able to preserve their language and culture. They celebrate their arrival each year with a reenactment of their first arrival on 19 November 1802.

Photograph by: Hopkins UnCut at Hopkins, Belize

GOVERNMENT ADVANCES FISHERIES LEGISLATION; BLUE ECONOMY MINISTRY ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS AHEAD OF LEGISLATIVE CHANGES

November 17, 2025

St. George’s, Grenada—The Government of Grenada is moving forward with critical legislative reforms aimed at strengthening the management and sustainability of the fisheries sector. On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the House of Representatives convened, debated and unanimously passed the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which introduces key provisions to enhance marine conservation and regulatory oversight.

The amendment also seeks to provide updated information to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in accordance with compliance measures, as part of Grenada’s efforts to seek reconsideration and reversal of its decision outlined in the communication dated August 26, 2025, which indicated that on 1st January 2026 Grenada will face fish imports ban into the United States of America because Grenada’s fisheries do not meet the comparability standards under the Marine Mammal Protected Act of the United States of America

The Bill contains four clauses, including:
• New Definitions for “observer” and “marine mammal” under the Fisheries Act.
• Establishing an Observer and Monitoring Programme to improve compliance and management.
• Provisions for the Minister to enact Regulations for the Protection and Conservation of Marine Mammals and,
• Empowering the Minister to create offences and impose penalties of up to XCD $100,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment where the Regulations are violated.
In preparation for these changes, the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs continued its nationwide consultations with stakeholders. On Friday, November 14, the Ministry hosted a meeting at the St. George’s Fisheries Complex Conference Room, where fisherfolks and fish processing and exporting establishments voiced concerns about export restrictions to the United States and other pressing industry issues.

The consultations also addressed the upcoming Fisheries (Marine Mammals) Regulations, 2025, which aim to:
• Prohibit intentional harm or sale of marine mammals.
• Mandate reporting of incidental catches and interactions.
• Restrict harmful fishing gear, such as large-scale driftnets.
• Implement a Marine Mammals Management Plan to monitor species and reduce human-induced threats.

Compete Caribbean/IDB Partnership to Support Digital Monitoring and Traceability

Complementing these legislative advancements, the Government welcomed the ongoing collaboration with Compete Caribbean Plus and the Inter-American Development Bank on a proposed pilot initiative to introduce digital vessel monitoring and a fisheries data platform.

The pilot will support the installation of 20 Remora Electronic Monitoring/Vessel Monitoring System (EMS/VMS) devices on longline vessels, alongside a modern data intelligence and visualization platform to improve traceability, monitor fishing effort, and support compliance with emerging regulatory requirements. The initiative also includes comprehensive training and knowledge transfer to vessel owners, processors, and Government technical staff.

Permanent Secretary with responsibility for the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, Javan Williams, stated:�“Our marine resources are vital to Grenada’s economy and heritage. These amendments will ensure that we protect marine mammals while supporting a sustainable fishing industry. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with our fisherfolks to achieve this balance.”

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to balancing economic opportunities with environmental stewardship, ensuring Grenada’s fisheries remain sustainable for future generations.

For more information, please contact:
Justine Rennie- Chief Fisheries Officer�
Ministry of the Blue Economy & Marine Affairs
(473) 440-3814/3831

PART 1: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO IN WORLD WAR II:
THE SECRET ROLE THEY NEVER TAUGHT US

By Pearce Robinson

Most people in Trinidad & Tobago grew up completely unaware that our country was one of the most important wartime locations in the entire Western Hemisphere.

But here’s the part nobody really talks about:

1. Germany targeted Trinidad specifically.

Because of our oil.
The Pointe-à-Pierre refinery was the single largest supplier of aviation fuel to the British Royal Air Force during WWII.

No fuel = no planes.

So German U-boats were ordered to hunt and sink ships leaving Trinidad.

2. The deadliest U-boat massacre in the Caribbean happened right off our coast.

Between February and March 1942, multiple ships were torpedoed within hours of leaving Trinidad’s waters, including the Canadian SS Lady Nelson, which was hit twice and sank with civilians onboard.

And at the same time, Tobago faced its own tragedy, when torpedoed vessels sent bodies washing ashore at Bloody Bay in what became known as the Bloody Bay massacre.

Most Trinbagonians have never been told this.

3. Trinidad had one of the largest American military bases outside the US.

Wallerfield Air Base was a major US Army hub, hosting bombers, fighter aircraft, engineers, and communications units.
Chaguaramas became a full naval base with thousands of American personnel.

For a moment in history, Trinidad was practically a North American defense outpost.

4. Blackouts and ration cards were a real thing.

During the height of the U-boat attacks, parts of Trinidad had blackout restrictions at night.
Rationing of flour, rice, soap, butter and gasoline was imposed.
Families still tell stories of it today.

5. Trinidad was the gateway protecting the entire hemisphere.

If the German navy controlled the Caribbean oil routes…
If they knocked out the refinery…
If they cut the sea lanes…
The Allies would have been in serious trouble.

And when you step back, it becomes clear: Trinidad & Tobago helped win the war. We weren’t just another island, we held the largest refinery in the British Empire, the main fuel supply for Allied convoys, the Caribbean sea lanes that kept Britain alive, the southern flank of the Americas, and the strategic position that blocked Germany from gaining hemispheric influence.

That’s how crucial our islands really were.
And THIS is why T&T suddenly became one of the most critical military positions in the world.