And finally from the house today…in last night's news, we showed you Pastor Scott Stirm saying that the revered Garifuna Dugu Ceremony is "witchcraft."
Today Dangriga Representative Frank "Pawpa" Mena, who represents the Garifuna stronghold of "Dangriga" responded. He said that Stirm is free to leave
the country at any time:
Hon. Frank "Pawpa" Mena - Area Rep., Dangriga
"I need a couple of seconds to address the presentation made by the Eurocentric pastor who's obvious skin colour seems like its entitlement to
ethnocentrism. Garifuna spirituality is what it is, it is Garifuna spirituality. It is part and parcel of a rich heritage called Garifuna Dugu. Much of
the black and indigenous cultural practices were destroyed by the forceful introduction of those Eurocentric believes as early as the 15th century.
Those days are gone Mr. Speaker, the pastor's utterances are obvious signs of the time; if you can't respect a great people in culture and country then
there are daily flights out of Belize on a regular basis. We are a people of faith, courage and resilience and we normally say in Garifuna god in front
of us and we follow."
For his part, Stirm has said that he, quote, "raised two Garifuna boys as (his) own" and that he has, quote, "poured (his) life into many, many other
Garifuna as well" adding, quote, "yes, they have needed demonic strongholds broken off their lives from witchcraft & fear."
Email
Print