July 2006

The first group of Operation Wallacea Staff and volunteers arrived in Nueva Armenia. After seven months of preparation, the town was very excited. People got a chance to try out some of their English skills by saying “Good Afternoon” and “how are you doing?”.

The group of 15 was met in the town center near the bridge. Initially, the idea was to welcome the bus with a Garifuna dance group awaiting them. However, heavy rains prevented this. So the bus arrived and the people of Nueva Armenia got their first glimpse of a group of English scientists coming through their pueblo.

Each person was given housing with a family. The families met the group and escorted them to their housing. After initially settling in, everyone had a fantastic time exchanging stories, even though communication was limited due to lack of Spanish.

Dinner started at 6.30. Guests were served a filling meal fried fish, tajadas (plantains), salad, and rice and beans. Next up was the big cultural event. There were two Garifuna dance groups and each one performed stirring renditions of traditional stories and legends. The dancing was followed by a play put on by local youth. The theme of the play was HIV/AIDS. The local youth are involved n HIV education throughout Armenia. The message of the play is that HIV is a change of lifestyle, not a death sentence, although the lead character dies at the end of the play. After the death, the funeral traditionally involves drums and singing and the entire town joined in. This turned into an impromptu dance event where the local youth showed off their talent accompanied by Garifuna drums.

Finally, Artisian products were brought out center stage for sell. The next morning, goodbyes were said and boats were loaded for the 40 minute ride over to Cayos Menor. It was a beautiful morning with the sun rising over the mountains. All-in-all, everyone from the folks of Wallacea to the locals of Nueva Armenia, had a wonderful time.

Community Benefits

The community is the beneficiary of all projects currently being implemented. The cost of the cultural event is $5 per person and the funds are divided up between the scholarship fund, the youth group, the school, and the dance group. Each member who participates in the small enterprises such as the cooking group or the fishermen who transports locals to the islands are expected to donate a portion of the funds received to the scholarship program.