Royal Couple Dances in Hopkins, Delights Crowd

And after their trip to the cacao farm, the royal couple made their way to the coastal village of Hopkins. They were treated to a true cultural experience by villagers who welcomed them with open arms and dancing feet. Paul Lopez was on the ground for the arrival and reaction from those who turned out on Sunday morning.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The stage was set for Your Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to arrive in Hopkins Village.  A Garifuna flag flew next to the Belizean flag. The local and international press was on standby. A plaque is unveiled to mark the visit. Locals lined the beach.  Even the school children came out to welcome Prince William and his wife Kate. ‘Mama G’ led a demonstration on Garifuna cuisine. The demonstration began with lessons on how to crush green and ripe plantains in a large wooden mortar to make a dish known as Fu-Fu. The fu-fu complements the sere, a creamy coconut fish soup flavored with local spices. Sahou, a rich cassava drink known for its energy enhancing properties, was also on display.

Gloria “Mama G” Lambey, Organizer

“Good morning one and all. My name is Gloria Lambey, better known as Mama G, as you guys know me. I am honored and privileged to stand in front of you guys this morning to welcome Mr. Royal Highness and Mrs. Royal Highness to our beautiful village by the sea. Welcome, Sir.”

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

“Seremein.”

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

“Seremein.”

It is a Garifuna word that means welcome in English. But, what is a Garifuna cultural celebration without the music and dances that help to define its people? The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did not resist the pulsating rhythm, as they joined in on the celebration. There were moments during the dancing that Prince William attempted to shake his hips to the Punta rock music, much to the delight of locals.  William and Kate then participated in a tree planting ceremony on the beach, before taking a brief stroll along the coast to meet up with a group of Belizean conservationists. Jamal Galvez, an advocate for the endangered Antillean manatee, says Prince Williams committed to be an advocate for manatees.

Jamal Galves

Jamal Galves, Antillean-Manatee Advocate

“It is really an honor. It is only good for manatee and conservation in Belize. As you know, my goal is to speak their plight, wide, far. It doesn’t get farther and bigger than that, in the sense that they are a representative of our country, the following that they have, and the people that they are able to reach.”

Pen Cayetano

For many of the villagers, mostly the younger ones, this was their first time being in the presence of royalty. Older folks remembered royal visits past.

Pen Cayetano, Belizean Artist

“Today’s event was good for me cause then I went to talk with the Prince.”

Hopkins Villager #1

“Oh mien, he can Punta. He can dance. Yeah.”

Hopkins Villager #2

“I have seen Queen Elizabeth many years ago many years ago, many, many years ago when she come here. That is many years ago.”

Garifuna Dancer

“I feel like I deh top ah things because I meet a prince and a princess.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.