Deveene Martinez is Ms. Garifuna Belize 2019-2020

Deveene Martinez

Miss Garifuna Hopkins, Deveene Martinez was crowned Miss Garifuna Belize 2019-2020 over the weekend by the National Garifuna Council at the annual Miss Garifuna Belize Cultural Pageant. Following the National Solidarity Mass on Saturday, the Belmopan Civic Center was the venue for the competition where eight young ladies vied for the title. The contestants showcased their fluency of the language through their introduction and presentation which focused on issues affecting the Garifuna community or relevant to the theme for this year’s celebration. The delegates also performed various cultural dances and displayed traditional clothing. Taruni Gonzalez from Belmopan captured third place, while Chastidy Williams representing Seine Bight came second and Deveene Martinez emerged victorious as the new Miss Garifuna Belize. The theme for this year’s celebration, when translated, is “Garifuna Language is the foundation of Garifuna survival.”