Parte a Soraya el Kasike Martín “CacibaOpil” Veguilla Díaz

Kasike Martín “CacibaOpil” Veguilla Díaz

Declaración conjunta: La Confederación Unida del Pueblo Taíno y el Iukaieke Guainía hacen pausa solemne y se unen en solidaridad y respeto a todos nuestros hermanos del Pueblo Taíno Arawak ante la pérdida física de quien en vida fue el Kasike Martín “CacibaOpil” Veguilla Díaz, líder desde su fundación, del Concilio Taíno Guatú Ma Cú a Borikén.

El Kasike CacibaOpil dedicó décadas de su vida a la reafirmación de la sobrevivencia indígena del Caribe, particularmente la de Borikén. Fue un destacado artesano y su preparación como artista escénico le permitió desarrollar y enaltecer nuestros propios areítos de una manera históricamente precisa tanto para presentaciones culturales a través del archipiélago de Borikén y la diáspora, así como también ceremoniales con nuestra población indígena. Desarrolló sistemas de enseñanza para su comunidad desde historia, prácticas espirituales, culturales y ceremoniales hasta las cotidianas como la agricultura tradicional indígena, las medicinas y modos de vida.

Expresamos nuestras más profundas condolencias a toda la Comunidad Guatú Ma Cú, reconociendo que muchos veían al Kasike CacibaOpil como un padre y cariñosamente lo apodaban “Viejo”, término de cariño que normalmente se utiliza para los padres.

Deja una huella indeleble en el aniki (mente, corazón y espíritu) tal como nuestros propios ancestros nos dejaron los petroglifos. Nos quedan sus composiciones musicales que honran y enaltecen nuestra amada cultura y que ahora marcan la historia de nuestro Pueblo Vivo mientras los ancestros le reciben en amor y alegría y lo acompañan hasta el lugar sagrado que llamamos Soraya y/o Koaibei.

CUPT/IG 7.02.2023

Volcano eruptions in St. Vincent Creating a Humanitarian Crisis

Ash coats a hillside on St. Vincent on April 11, 2021. (Photo by UWI-Seismic Research Centre, Prof. Robertson)

St. Vincent and the Grenadines (UCTP Taino News) - La Soufrière, a volcano on the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent began a series of intense eruptions last Friday. For close to a week, subsequent eruptions have covered the island in volcanic ash. Super-heated gas and lava flows have gushed down the mountainside. Thousands of residents in the affected “Red Zone” area are now displaced or have been evacuated. A humanitarian crisis is now emerging as islanders are left without clean water and electricity. Several news sources are reporting that government officials fear the situation will also exacerbate the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These are the times we need to be ready to support our relatives” stated Irvince Auguiste, a co-President of the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO). Auguiste is a member of the Kalinago (Carib) Nation of Dominica and a former Chief of the territory. He continued by stating “CADO and the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) will be collaborating on a relief effort for the Indigenous Kalinago community and others in St. Vincent.”

The dome of the volcano was completely destroyed during the periodic eruptions. Reports estimate that more than 460 million cubic tons of earth and rock have jettisoned into the atmosphere from the eruptions. The wind is carrying the volcanic ash to St. Vincent’s island neighbors such as Barbados, Grenada, and Saint Lucia. Eruptions and seismic activity are expected to continue over the next few days.

UCTPTN 04/15/2021

Cali Tzay Nominated for UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Jose Francisco Cali Tzay, Mayan Cakchiquel, former President of UNCERD

United Nations (UCTP Taino News) - The UN Human Rights Council accepted nominations for the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples until October 2019. Among the nominees are Jose Francisco Cali Tzay, a Mayan Cakchiquel from Guatemala and former member (through December 2019) and past President of the UN CERD. In addition to his many other accomplishments, he is also the President of the Board of Directors of the International Indian Treaty Council for the past 20 years. 

Indigenous organizations from around the world have already submitted letters of support for the nomination of Cali Tzay, including the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP). 

In a joint statement with the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization, UCTP President, Roberto Múkaro Borrero stated: “We commend the remarkable work Mr. Cali Tzay has accomplished in the field of human rights, in particular, issues concerning indigenous peoples internationally, over his career.” 

In 2001, the Commission on Human Rights decided to appoint a Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, as part of the system of thematic Special Procedures. The Special Rapporteur’s mandate was renewed by the Commission on Human Rights in 2004, and by the Human Rights Council in 2007. 

Appointments of Special Procedures Mandate Holders are expected to be made at the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 24 February - 20 March 2020. 

UCTPTN 02/15/2020

Lokono Arawak Leader Releases 4th Book Focusing on Legendary Creatures of Eagle Clan Oral tradition

Bridgetown, Barbados (UCTP Taíno News) - Chief Damon Corrie, a hereditary leader of the Eagle Clan Lokono Arawaks has released his 4th publication this year entitled "Amazonia's Mythical and Legendary Creatures in the Eagle Clan Lokono-Arawak Oral Tradition of Guyana." A well-known, radical, international advocate for the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Corrie now takes on the role of prolific writer sharing accounts drawn from his personal involvement in tribal life, as well as his long-time interactions with tribal elders. Additional books by Corrie include "The Amazon is Burning - The Flames of 21st Century Resistance Inspired by Indigenous Women," "Understanding Spirituality, Anomalous Phenomena as life lessons," and "Understanding Spirituality, Dreams, Insights, Exorcisms, Visitations and Shamanic Healing." Damon Corrie is also a co-founder of the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization and a governing board member of the United Confederation of Taíno People. He currently resides in Barbados with his wife Shirling and their 4 children, Hatuey Francis, Tecumseh Shawandase, Sabantho Aderi and Laliwa Hadali. 

UCTPTN 10/21/2019

Taíno Representative to Participate on International Round Table on International Indigenous Day

UCTP Taino News – Representing both the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) and the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO), Tai Pellicier has been invited, as part of the activities of the United Nations Indigenous Peoples Day, to participate via Skype in an event that will focus on the Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The invitation was extended by members of the indigenous Crimean Tatar community in Ukraine. The event will be attended by several international experts on the rights of indigenous peoples and other indigenous peoples’ representatives. Pellicier will be the sole indigenous person from the western hemisphere to participate in the round table program taking place on August 9, 2019. The UN International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is celebrated around the world. It was first pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994, marking the day of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, in 1982.

 UCTPTN 08/09/2019

UCTP Liaison Officer Fox Tree Presents Program on Stereotypes

UCTP Liaison Officer Claudia Fox Tree (at center in red) with members of
Marblehead's Indigenous Day Committee.

Marblehead, Massachusetts (UCTP Taíno News) - The Indigenous Peoples Day Committee of Marblehead invited UCTP Liaison Officer Claudia Fox Tree to present at a public program held the St. Andrews Church on April 29th. Fox Tree shared an activity about stereotypes, speaking for about an hour and 15 minutes on relevant history and reasons stereotypes are a problem. The program ended with 15 minutes of Q & A.

The event was well attended, and Fox Tree was able to distribute information and speak to people who attended the program to learn about their heritage or who were just interested in the subject. There were many elders in attendance. During the Q & A Fox Tree responded to various interesting topics and questions, including to persons who wanted to “focus on eliminating reservations and integrating indigenous peoples into the larger culture,” others who felt "everyone is an immigrant so why was IPD was needed,” and those who didn't think “one day was enough.”

Fox Tree also joined the group earlier the same day to raise awareness about Indigenous Peoples Day. Next week, Marblehead’s townspeople will vote on whether to change the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day.

UCTPTN 04/30/29/2019

Claudia Fox Tree, UCTP Liaison, Speaks at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event

UCTP Liaison Officer Claudia Fox Tree at the World of Wellesley MLK event

Wellesley, MA (UCTP Taino News) - Claudia Fox Tree, an educator and a Liaison Officer for the United Confederation of Taíno People spoke at the World of Wellesley’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. event on January 21st, Martin Luther King Day. The event featured Ms. Fox Tree’s keynote address which highlighted the need for allies and an introduction into First Nations history including atrocities committed by Columbus and the contributions of Caribbean Indigenous Nations. The Kuumba Singers of Harvard College also performed. The World of Wellesley is an organization dedicated to making Wellesley, MA a welcoming community where diversity is celebrated. 

UCTPTN 01.23.2019

Taíno Welcome Indigenous Relatives from Guyana

Taíno Community members Little Wolf and Kasike Múkaro Borrero welcome the Wapishana Cultural group Karao while the Hon. Sydney Allicock, Vice President of Guyana looks on

Brooklyn , NY (UCTP Taíno News) - The Karao Cultural Group is visiting New York from the South Rupununi, Guyana to take part in Guyana Folk Fest 2017. The group, made up of indigenous Wapishana tribal members, has captivated audiences with their cultural presentations since their arrival to the U.S. On Thursday, August 31st, the Karao Group gave a presentation at the "Desrey Fox Memorial Lecture" held in Brooklyn, NY and organized by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York (GCA-NY). Taíno community members, Kasike Roberto Múkaro Borrero and Little Wolf were invited to provide a welcome and spiritual opening at the event, which also included a presentation by Guyana’s Vice President and Minister of Indigenous People's Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock. The event also featured a lecture on Guyana’s indigenous languages presented by Dr. Walter Edwards and remarks from President of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Dr. Vibert Cambridge, and other executives of the body.

UCTPTN 08.31.2017

Caribbean Indigenous Peoples participate at Mashpee Pow Wow

In photo from left to right, Gustavo Cardona, Tataniki Dones, Chalinaru Dones, and Claudia Fox Tree were some of the Caribbean Indigenous Peoples present at the 96th Mashpee Wampanoag Pow Wow 

Historic Mashpee Wampanoag Territory, Massachusetts (UCTP Taíno News) – A contingent of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples participated at the 96^th annual Mashpee Wampanoag Pow Wow this past weekend from June 1-3 2017. Taíno and Arawak Tribal members joined this historic celebration of culture, traditions and heritage in solidarity with the Mashpee Wampanoag and other Indigenous Peoples from throughout the Northeast and beyond. The Pow Wow featured indigenous dancing, drumming, games, food, art, jewelry, wampum (beads made from quahog shells), gifts, crafts, and clothing. Drum and dance competitions also took place with United Confederation of Taíno People’s Massachusetts Liaison Officer, Claudia Fox Tree winning the “spot” dance and receiving a prize. This year’s Pow Wow theme was “Honoring Our Traditions” and several thousand visitors were received at the event over the weekend held at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in East Falmouth, MA.

UCTP Taíno News 07.03.2017

Caribbean Indigenous Peoples Condemn Trumps withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement: A Joint statement from the United Confederation of Taíno People and the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization

The United Confederation of Taíno People and the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization condemn the shameful June 1st, 2017 announcement made by the President of the United States that his government will withdraw from the Paris Climate Change Agreement. 

Indigenous Peoples around the world, including the Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean are on the frontlines of the global climate crises. Our communities contribute the least to global warming, yet we are and will continue to be affected the most by its negative impacts. 

In the Caribbean region, the effects of climate change are real. We are experiencing erratic and shifting weather patterns, rising sea levels, increased intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes, negative effects on local fauna, as well as the bleaching of coral refers, which are integral component of the Caribbean Sea and its ecosystem. All these biophysical impacts will continue to evoke significant economic, social and political consequences in the near and distant future in the region and beyond. 

While the Paris Agreement did not fulfill all our aspirations and by itself, will not solve the global climate crises, it is an important step forward that includes the “rights of indigenous peoples” in its framework. 

The U.S. government’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is an irresponsible act that not only supports an immoral anti-environmental agenda, but also it also threatens the well-being of our future generations. We therefore call upon the U.S. government to reconsider its current position and convert this injustice into an historic opportunity to ensure a safer future for our children’s children.

Signed: 

Roberto Múkaro Borrero, President 
United Confederation of Taíno People 

Damon Gerard Corrie, President 
Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization

Taíno join opposition to Financial Control Board for Borikén (Puerto Rico)

Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrana and Roberto Mukaro Borrero sound the guamo 
(conch shells) to open the demonstration in New York opposing the 
U.S. imposed Financial Oversight and Management Board for Borikén 
(Puerto Rico). Photo courtesy of Mario Rubén Carrión

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - On Friday, September 30, a diverse group of human rights defenders rallied in New York to voice their opposition to the first formal meeting the newly created and U.S. imposed Financial Oversight and Management Board for Borikén (Puerto Rico). The rally was held outside the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in New York, home to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in NY. The rally opened with an indigenous Taíno invocation to the 4 directions and followed with about 3 hours of passionate calls to abolish the board and end colonialism for Puerto Rico. 

The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico was created by the Obama administration’s Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act, or Promesa as a way to deal with Puerto Rico’s economic crisis, which includes a debt of over 70 Billion dollars. Many activists and analysts note that it is the colonial condition of Puerto Rico that has created the crisis and the U.S. should be accountable for the debt. This control board named Jose Carrión III as chairman, clearing the way to officially take over financial decision-making from Puerto Rico’s government. A Republican, Carrión was recommended by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). He also presides over the Puerto Rico subsidiary of HUB International, a global insurance brokerage company. His appointment is controversial as he is the brother-in-law of Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico’s non-voting member in Congress. 

At the demonstration, Roberto Múkaro Borrero stated the “imposition of this financial control board by the United States violates Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination.” Borrero continued stating that “Promesa and along with the continuance of the Jones Act are clear proof of the island’s colonial status.” Borrero is a community leader representing the Guainia Taíno Tribe and is the current President of the United Confederation of Taíno People. Borrero continued stating that a specific area of concern with the legislation is that “it gives the board the power to expedite approvals of energy and other projects they deem critical, which could have severe consequences to the island’s environment if the projects are not evaluated properly.” 

Puerto Rico’s central government, three retirement systems (teachers, judicial and employees), university (UPR) and all its public corporations, including the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority and Electric Power Authority, are now under the immediate control of the new entity. The board also has oversight over the restructuring negotiations with creditors. The governor of Puerto Rico holds a non-voting position on the board, In addition, the board and its employees are exempt from liability claims. 

There is no information as to when the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico will meet next. 

UCTPTN 09.30.2016

Taino Support Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Opposition to Dakota Access Pipeline

Native Americans protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. 
(AP Photo/James MacPherson)

Ft. Yates, North Dakota (UCTP Taino News) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) approved construction permits for the Dakota Access Pipeline, which will bring it within a half a mile from the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. If completed, this pipeline would transport approximately 470,000 barrels of crude oil per day and cross the Missouri River, which is the only source of water to the reservation. A key issue is that the USACE did not consulate with or gain consent from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (SRST), which is a violation of the 1868 Ft. Laramie Treaty, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other International Human Rights instruments whose provisions the United States is obliged to uphold. According to tribal officials the pipeline will damage or destroy sacred sites and burial grounds along its proposed route. The SRST has issued a call of support for its opposition to the pipeline, which the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) responded to on August 16, 2016 in an official communication to Standing Rock Chairman Dave Archambault II. 

The Confederation’s solidarity letter supported the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s courageous efforts to stop the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and that it is clear that federal laws and treaties were bypassed in the planning process requiring direct consultation with the Tribe.” The Tribe’s External Affairs Director Steven Sitting Bear confirmed receipt of the Confederation letter stating, “Standing Rock appreciates the Taino People’s support.” 

Roberto Múkaro Agüeibaná Borrero, President of the UCTP noted that “Taino People have experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their lack of consultation with regard to sacred sites and burial grounds.” Borrero continued stating that “despite provisions in the Historic Preservation Act for consultation, the USACE proceeded to remove ancestral remains without meeting with local Taino even after several official requests were made with regard to the Hacanas (Jacanas) PO29 archeological site in 2007.” 

“Considering these past actions and the current situation affecting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the USACE continues to violate the right to free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples as defined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This is contrary to the Obama administration commitment to implement the Declaration.” 

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filled an injunction to halt the construction of the pipeline scheduled to be heard case being heard in Federal Court in early September 2016. 

UCTPTN 08.19.2016

UCTP President to Speak at Gaming Conference

A scene from Arrival: Village Kasike

Brooklyn, New York (UCTP Taino News) – The President of the United Confederation of Taino People, Roberto Borrero will join CEO of Raindrop Games, Josh Samuels on a panel focusing on Indigenous Peoples and video game development at the Different Games conference on Saturday, April 9^th, 2016.

After community consultation, the Confederation entered into a collaboration with Raindrop Games, which resulted in the production and release of the game “Arrival: Village Kasike” in 2012. The game is currently available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and iTouch. According to Raindrop Games, plans are now being made to release Arrival: Village Kasike on other platforms, possibly as early as next year. A recent UNESCO report highlights Arrival: Village Kasike as a best practice initiative with regard to Indigenous Peoples and Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs).  

Different Games is New York City’s first conference on diversity and inclusivity in games culture, drawing more than 700 attendees to NYU’s Downtown Brooklyn campus, in addition to more than 100 arcade games and 150 presenters and speakers! The fourth annual Different Games Conference will be held over 2 days, April 8-9, 2016 at NYU MAGNET in Brooklyn.

See more information at the Different Games website: http://2016.differentgames.org/

UCTPTN 02.14.2015