First Nations Caribbean Artists Say No to Gender Based Violence

Fifteen (15) Caribbean performing artists from the First Nations/indigenous people of Belize, Guyana and Suriname recently committed to extending the reach of the UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign through their various forms of artistic expression.

The artists came together at a workshop hosted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat in collaboration with UN Women entitled - “Caribbean Artists against Gender based Violence (GBV)”.  The workshop, which was focused on raising awareness on GBV, was held at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Paramaribo, Suriname.

The objectives of the workshop were to sensitise artists on the issue of gender based violence (GBV) in the Region and to familiarise them with the use of edutainment. Artists had the opportunity to exchange views with specialists in gender, media and edutainment to determine an artistic approach to raising awareness on GBV.

Fusing their indigenous art forms with popular cultural expressions, the artists worked to develop a series of  public education products which will serve to spread the message - a resounding no! to gender based violence.

The participating artists were:

BELIZE

Ms Desiree Diego                                                                         -              Singer
Mr. Rosendo Benito Bol                                                                -              Keyboard Player/Vocalist
Mr. Dayaan Ellis                                                                            -              Vocalist
(Stage name “Nuru”)                                                                    

GUYANA

Ms. Sechitra Fiona Singh                                               -              Musician/Vocalist
Mr. Roger Hinds                                                               -              Singer/Actor/Song Writer/Promoter
(Stage name: Young Bill Rogers)                                                               
Ms Miranda Austin                                                          -              Actress/Comedian
Mr. Deon Johnson                                                           -              Singer/Dancer

SURINAME

Ms Carla Chirill                                                                   -              Indigenous Singer/Actor/Dancer
(Caraib)
Mr. Mark Langaman                                                            -              Indigenous Singer/Actor/Dancer
(Caraib)
Ms Xaviera Misiedjan                                                           -              Singer/Actress
(Aukaanse)
Ms Dewini Maria Saiwini                                                      -              Singer/Actress 
(Aukaanse)
Mr. Danny Takoeri                                                                -              Singer/Music Teacher
(Hindost)
Mr. Asgar Koster                                                                   -              Keyboard Player
(Creool)
Mr. Clarens Amatkoerie                                                         -              Audio and Music Production/Musician(Javaan)                                                                                 
Mr. Jozef Tojo                                                                         -              Drummer (Paramakaner)