Taino Honor Island’s First Hero

Professor Jalil Sued Badillo addresses those gathered to honor Taino leader Agueybana II
in Ponce, Boriken (Puerto Rico)

Ponce, Boriken (UCTP Taino News) – Local Taino gathered in Ponce, Boriken on November 19, 2009 to pay respect to Kasike (Chief) Agueybana II, a 16th century warrior considered by many to be the island’s first hero to stand against colonialism.

Organized by the United Confederation of Taino People’s Liaison Office in Boriken, the special event took place at the monument to the great Taino leader who led confederated indigenous communities against Spanish conquistadors at the battle of Yahueca in 1511. The program was enthusiastically attended by members of the local community, scholars, government officials, and school children.

Among the presentations featured was a historical biography of "Agueybana el bravo” by Professor Jalil Sued Badillo, a musical tribute by elder and artist Miguel Anel Guzman, and a Taino cultural presentation by members of Esencia Tabonuco.

The program received additional support from the office of the honorable Victor Vassallo Anadon, the congressional representative for Ponce and Jayuya. Vassallo issued a proclamation for the occasion designating Nov. 19 as Kasike Agueybana Day.

UCTPTN 11.20.2009

Elder Artist honored in Jayuya

Jayuya, Boriken (UCTP Taino News) – On the occasion of his 50th Anniversary in the arts, Miguel Ángel Guzmán was honored by family, friends, artists, and supporters in a reception held at Galeria Maboiti in Jayuya. The July 2nd event featured selected art-works from Guzman and artist Olga Reyes.

Among the attendees were the honorable Mayor of Jayuya Georgie Gonzalez, representatives of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, CATTA-COOP, and the Boriken Liaison Office of the United Confederation of Taino People.

In honor of the special occasion, the UCTP Liaison Office presented Guzman with a specially designed Taino “cinturon” commemorative sculpture and a donation to support the arts education workshop he developed with Reyes at their Galeria Saguay in Paso Palmas, Utuado.

On behalf of the UCTP Liaison Office, Eva Tona Lazu expressed her appreciation of Guzman and Reyes' dedication and she looked forward to their continued success.

The special exhibition and reception was hosted by the Office of Mayor Gonzalez who declared Miguel Angel Guzman "an honorary son of Jayuya."

Photo: Miguel Guzman and Eva Tona Lazu in Utuado

UCTPTN 07.15.2009

Guzmán Celebrating 50 Years in the Arts

Utuado, Borikén (UCTP Taíno News) – Celebrated artist and elder community member, Miguel Angel Guzmán will be featured in a special exhibition honoring his 50 years in the Arts. The exhibition will be held at Galeria Maboití, Museo del Cemi in Cedetra, Jayuya. The exhibit will open on July 2 at 6pm with a musical presentation by Guzmán and a reception. The honorable Georgie Gonzalez, the Mayor of Jayuya will host the event.

Born in Barrio Caníaco in Utuado in 1939, Guzmán recently celebrated his 70 birthday in Utuado at a special gathering attended by local artists, friends, and supporters including representatives of the Consejo General de Tainos Borincanos and the UCTP Borikén Liaison Office.

Among his many distinctions, Guzman is credited with founding Taller Herencia Indigena, the Taino arts workshop operating near the Caguana Ceremonial Center in Utuado. The Taller Herencia Indigena celebrates Borikén’s (Puerto Rico) indigenous legacy through the arts.

UCTPTN 06.29.2009