Belize’s Garifuna All Star Band – they got to Mexico City on Thursday to prepare for six shows in and around that massive metropolis. But today they came home with their guitars in hand; their Mexican tour was abruptly cancelled after the swine flu outbreak. They returned this afternoon, and after spending hours riding busses – they told us what it was like in Mexico City as it was in the grips of a swine flu panic. Joshua Arana said 6 the shows were cancelled, but he’s not angry – all things considered.

Joshua Arana, Garifuna All Stars
“We only did one show which was we got there the Thursday and we did the show the Friday night. All the other shows were cancelled, the government of Mexico decided and asked all the citizens, all the tourists, not to go in large gatherings so those shows were cancelled. We were supposed to do a show tomorrow in Aguas Calientes and that was cancelled and three shows in Puebla and they were cancelled also so we had to come back home.”

Sam Harris, Garifuna All Stars
“I really don’t know which way to look at it because then one of the things we have to be thankful for is that hopefully at this moment we don’t feel any of the symptoms which they say you suppose to be precautious about. One of the measures we took personally is we thought to be sure that we don’t transport anything to Belize, we took that extra measure.”

Deseree Diego, Garifuna All Stars
“Being in Mexico right now I think even the tourists are concerned, they don’t want to come out, because of what the government has asked and so everyone there is wearing masks right now and my mask is right here. So I don’t want to wear it right now but it is here.”

Sofia Blanco, Garifuna All Stars
“She is happy about what happened because what we were going for is to have a performance but it is God’s will and he knows what he is doing.”

Lloyd Augustine, Garifuna All Stars
“We have our concerns of course because then it is something you cannot see, it is in the air, and seeing a lot of people walking with masks on their faces then you have to worry, you must.”

Wilton Lewis, Garifuna All Stars
“I am disappointed with this trip but I am looking forward to the other one, we have to make up for this trip.”

The next leg of the band’s tour starts up on July fourth when they head to Canada. In the meantime, they will be using the time from the cancelled gigs to rehearse and record new material.