Tropical Storm Sara Forces Cancellation of Weekend Events

The incoming Tropical Storm Sara has forced the postponement and cancellation of several events planned for this weekend. The storm is expected to bring considerable rains and the possibility of life-threatening flooding.  Doreena Castillo, Secretary, for the Dangriga Branch of the National Garifuna Council, says that several of today’s events were called off on the advice of the National Emergency Management Organization. 

Doreen Castillo, Secretary, NGC Dangriga: “Due to NEMO and the advisory that they have given us we are left with no choice but to postpone it. Two of the events that are being postponed, number one is the Expo which was under the jurisdiction of National Garifuna Council, Dangriga. Okay, another thing that was postponed today the children’s rally. This was supposed to be held at Chiste Stadium that too has been postponed again due to the weather condition and the advisement from NEMO. The Shaka competition too that’s under DIFA. That has been postponed too due to the, again, due to the advisory from NEMO.”

Harry Arzu, Dangriga Correspondent: When was that scheduled for? 

Doreen Castillo, Secretary, NGC Dangriga: “That was, that’s scheduled for tomorrow.”

One of the events to be impacted was the annual Thomas Vincent Ramos memorial concert which was to be held in Dangriga. Additionally, Anthony Ramos, told Love News that this year, Garifuna music icon Chico Ramos was to be honored, but a new date for the event will be announced later. 

Anthony Ramos, Grandson, Thomas Vincent Ramos: “Well, I believe this is Chico’s year of being honored holistically. You know the street is honored in his name and so the town council found it appropriate to put the bus there.”

Harry Arzu, Dangriga Correspondent: On what street is it?

Anthony Ramos, Grandson, Thomas Vincent Ramos: “It is Chico Rama’s street. You know our council we had designated a whole area to just people who are culturally inclined, who have impacted the town. And so that whole area is named after our artisans in Dagriga. Not only music artists, various artists, music, arts, culture, otherwise.” 

Harry Arzu, Dangriga Correspondent: So is there an official ceremony to honor Chico ? 

Anthony Ramos, Grandson, Thomas Vincent Ramos: “We will do that at a date to be announced because it was slated for yesterday but you know again with the impending weather we don’t want to do anything shabby. We want to do something rather impressive. So that too will be designated on another occasion.”

Events have also been canceled in Seine Bight, Hopkins, George Town, and several other villages.