May 18, 2001 – Belmopan
This morning Dr. Teny Topalain, Secretary-General for Belize National Commission for UNESCO was informed by the World Heritage Center at UNESCO Paris Headquarters that the International Jury has proclaimed the “Garifuna Culture� as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity; Belize was chosen from amongst 40 countries.
This proclamation recognizes the Garifuna culture (language, music, dance, spiritual values) to be of outstanding universal value to all of humanity. All necessary measures will be taken to safeguard and preserve this traditional culture and to support and promote oral and tangible heritage. “We are extremely pleased that the Garifuna people and the country of Belize have been honored by this recognition by UNESCO and the International Community�, said Dr. Topalian.
The National Commission of UNESCO will work together with the Government of Belize to do its utmost to protect and promote this valuable Masterpiece to ensure its survival for all humanity.
Note:
Now, the “Garifuna Culture� (language, music, dance and spiritual values) has been given the same status as “precious, natural and cultural sites such as the Statue of Liberty, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Belize Barrier Reef.�
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