Cacibajagua Artists Present Gifts at UCTP Celebration

Cacibajagua Notes: On behalf of the Untied Confederation of Taino People (UCTP), Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Soceity Members Reina Miranda and John Aguilar Marrero presented 5 prints of their works which are on display at the United Nations until May 18th. The prints were presented to Kaliago Carib Chief Charles Willams of Dominica, Chief Damon Corrie of the Eagle Clan Arawaks (Barbados & Guyana), Ambassador Crispin Gregoire of Dominica, Ali El Issa of the Flying Eagle Woman Fund, and Pamela Kraft of the Tribal Link Foundation on Friday, April 25th 2008. The Day has been designated United Confederation of Taino People Day in NY by the NY City Council.

Photo: Eagle Clan Arawak Chief Damon Corrie and Aguilar Marrero (Taino)

Taino and Arawak Works on Display at UN Headquarters

United Nations (UCTP Taino News) – Contemporary Taino artists Reina Miranda, Mildred Mukara Torres Speeg and John Aguilar Marrero were among the indigenous artists whose selected works were featured at the opening of the United Nations Art exhibition entitled “Spirit of Our Ancestors”. The exhibition was launched in conjuction with the 7th Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the opening took place on Tuesday, April 22nd 2008 at United Nations headquarters in New York. A testament to Caribbean indigenous survival, the paintings and their accompanying explanatory text have the potential to educate thousands of international visitors daily. Marrero and Miranda are members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society. Torres-Speeg is a UCTP representative in the state of Georgia. Also on display are three wood sculptures by Foster Simon, an acclaimed Lokono Arawak from Pakuri Arawak Territory in Guyana. Mr. Simon’s works are also featured in the Presidential collections of Guyana, Venezuela, and Bolivia. This special exhibition is free and open to the public during weekdays for a limited engagement closing on May 18, 2008.

Photo: Taino women at the opening of the "Spirit of Our Ancestors" exhibition at the United Nations. From left: Leenda Bonilla; Mildred Karaira Gandia, Maria Diaz, and Reina Miranda

UCTPTN 04.23.2008