Joint Declaration: The United Confederation of the Taino People and Iukaieke Guainía solemnly pause and unite in solidarity and respect to all our sisters and brothers of the Taino Arawak People over the physical loss of Kasike Martín "CacibaOpil" Veguilla Díaz, leader of the Taino Council Guatú Ma Cú a Borikén since its founding.
Kasike CacibaOpil dedicated decades of his life to the reaffirmation of the Indigenous Caribbean survival, particularly that of Borikén. He was an outstanding artisan and his training as a performing artist allowed him to develop and exalt our areítos in a historically accurate manner both for ceremonial gatherings, as well as for cultural presentations throughout the Borikén archipelago and the diaspora. He developed teaching systems for his community on topics such as history, spirituality, cultural, and ceremonial practices to everyday ones such as traditional indigenous agriculture, medicines, and ways of life.
We express our deepest condolences to the entire Guatú Ma Cú Community, recognizing that many viewed Kasike CacibaOpil as a father and affectionately nicknamed him "Viejo", a term of endearment normally used for fathers.
He leaves an indelible mark on the aniki (mind, heart and spirit) just as our own ancestors left us petroglyphs. We are left with his musical compositions that honor and exalt our beloved culture and now mark the history of our Living Peoples, as the ancestors receive him in love and joy and accompany him to the sacred place we call Soraya and/or Koaibei.
UCTP/IG 7.02.2023
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