7/29/2007

First Taino Day Observed in Jamaica



Saint Anns, Jamaica (UCTP Taíno News) - The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) hosted its first Taíno Day on May 4, at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann.

The official observance sought to commemorate the life and legacy of Jamaica's first inhabitants, who were formally referred to as the Arawaks.

The Executive Director of the JNHT, Laleta Davis-Mattis pointed out that Taino Day was a part of the Trust's annual observance of Encounter Day, which is "a day set aside to highlight the meeting of the various worlds or cultures that underpin our history and our ethnic composition," including the Spanish, English, Africans and Tainos.

The Executive Director explained that this year, "more historical significance and credence” was be placed on the Tainos and their contribution to Jamaican history.

Activities marking the celebration included lectures and discussions; an exhibition of Taino artifacts; display and sampling of Taino food, Taino quiz and a mini zoo with Taino animals.

In an official statement to the JNHT, President of the UCTP’s Office of International Relations, Roberto Múcaro Borrero commend the initiative and looked forward to working together on next years commemoration.

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