CABO Regional Workshop

Bocas Del Toro, Panama

26th, June- 29th June,  2008

In April of 2008 CABO (Central American Black Organization)/ ONECA (Organización Negra Centro Americano) extended an invitation to the black youths of Belize to partake in a workshop that was to be held in Dangriga. Organizations that participated included our very own NGCYA (National Garifuna Council Youth Arm) and the Kriol Council’s UBADEFK.

 Delegates traveled from all over to gather at the Education Office in Dangriga. Presentations ranged from that of African History to Networking to Lobbying. Session where held in groups to identify issues that they wanted to target in the country. The result was presented in group Action Plans and Matrices.

The Belize delegation to the Regional Workshop would also have been chosen from the attendees of the workshop. After an examination of the participants profile as well as availability of youths, four (4) delegates were chosen, namely Adrian Engleton, Kami Palacio, Emeni Cayetano and Merli Lopez.

A National Action Plan was prepared including a summary of the National workshop and a Matrix. The Delegation also held a meeting to become familiar with each other, exchange contact information and to make other preparations for the Regional workshop.

On Wednesday 25th June, the Belize delegation departed for San Jose, Costa Rica where they met other participants of the CABO workshop. On the 26th of June, delegates from Belize Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and New York traveled together on a toured trip to Bocas Del Toro Panama. The road trip acted as a meet and greet, for the youths to familiarize themselves with each other. Places Visited included, Limon, Cahuita, Sixaola and Almirante among others. The youths arrived in Bocas Del Toro at around 6:30 pm. Where they met the Panama delegation, Welcoming addresses were made and the ground rules where presented. Thereafter supper was served.

On the 27th each country presented on the topics discussed at their workshops, they also presented the various action plans. Discussions were held about the different issues, questions asked and some suggestions were made from various countries. Lunch was served and presentations continued in the afternoon.

Following the presentations from each country CABO’s Mr. Diego Segura gave a lecture on Networking and what the CABO Youth Network should look like. Representatives for the Network were chosen from each country. Belize’s representatives are Kami Palacio and Emeni Cayetano.

            In the late evening cultural presentations where made. Belize, Honduras and Guatemala made a magnificent jointure based on the Garifuna culture, the audience joined in the dancing of the Punta. Supper was served and everyone dispersed to Barco Hundido for some entertainment.

On the 28th, groups where formed to develop action plans and matrices. In the afternoon work was done on the network and preparation of the action plan commenced whilst others in painting beautiful art translating various word given to the groups. After supper it was round two for the gang at Barco Hundido.

On the 29th, a closing ceremony was held and certificates were issued to participants. Everyone said their goodbyes the return trip to San Jose started. The Nicaraguans left the rest of the group in Almirante, Panama.

On the 30th of June, The Belize delegation returned home. Currently efforts are being made to finalize the regional action plan and matrix. A follow up on the plan is schedule for December 2008 in Honduras.

“PURA VIDA REAL”