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HOUSTON, USA -- The state of Texas became the first US state to honour Garifuna Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer by proclaiming March 14 as “Chief Joseph Chatoyer Hero Day in Texas”.

A petition put forth by the Greater Houston Garifuna-American Partnership, Texas House of Representatives was led by Texas House Member Dr. Alma Allen and State Senator Rodney Ellis from the Texas State Senate.

“This is a historic moment for fellow Texans, Garifunas, Vincentians and the Caribbean,” said Jerry Castro-Cayetano from the Partnership. “This effort not only showcases the depth of diversity in the state, but will allow fellow Texans to learn about the different communities.”

Joseph Chatoyer (died March 14, 1795) was a Garifuna (Carib) chief who led a revolt against the British colonial government of Saint Vincent in 1795. He is now considered a national hero of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, also Belize and other Carib countries he fought for during the war. Camillo Gonsalves, Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, described him in 2011 as his country's "sole national hero". In addition, Chief Chatoyer is the highest figure among the Garifuna in the Central American Caribbean coast and the United States.

During National Garifuna Settlement, Education and Awareness Month (November 12 – December 12) in 2010, the Partnership petitioned for congressional recognition for another Vincentian, William Henry Brown, who is known to be the “Father of Black Theater” for his innovation and by being the first producer of the first black theater play in America, “The Drama of King Shatoway” (1832), an eyewitness account of the rise of the Caribs against British colonization.

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