Georgette Verona Lambey, the proud daughter of the late great Pablo Lambey. He was born in Honduras, and migrated to Dangriga, Belize at the age of 6. My Father lived in Dangriga and later joined in union with my Mother, Alice Lambey. I am blessed to have 6 sisters, two brothers and many adopted siblings who I love as well as the other eight. My journey started at the age of four when my dad would carry me on his shoulders as we participated in our cultural celebration- the reenactment of the arrival of the Garinagu to Belize. Like my Father, I am a proud Garifuna. He advocated wisdom and fought for the right of his people, and his Mother was a very cultural woman who unfortunately passed before I was born. The love that they had for the culture is the legacy that is left for me. I carry the torch with pride. Indeed, the love I have for my culture is beyond explaining. I was a member of the International Warigabaga Dance Group, under the supervision of Roy and Phyllis Cayetano, Jeris Valentine and Roysus Bragal. I was Miss Garifuna for Dangriga and second for Miss South.
In 1989, I moved to America to be with my Aunt, siblings and uncles; I brought my culture with me in my carry-on. I join my family in the Garifuna Cultural group here in Los Angeles, and is still active today. I played on a band with Leon Valentine, and later joined late Dana Martinez into the Babylon Warriors. The Babylon Warriors open doors for me as a Garifuna to express myself through my music. Patrick Barrow was the band leader, he had visions to try something new and Dana, Jess, Saps and I were part of this wonderful mission. (Thank you Pat).
In our family my father instilled many great values in us his children. I cannot have him back, but can definitely keep his dreams alive. I do not have half the wisdom he had moreover, the little messages I have is to remain our people of the love we use to share, the value of family and reminding our children to be respectful; I deliver it all through music. My hobbies are writing, singing, playing music and teaching the young children our cultural dances. Indeed, this is what I make sacrifices for. I am willing to be at any cultural activity to give back to the legacy that was left to me by my ancestors. I pray that one day greater thing will happen to the younger generation by keeping pride and continuing to carry the torch.
To all my fans, my family and Belizeans as a whole, may God Bless you all always. Thank you all with all my love and appreciation.
Georgette Lambey
