Joseph Chatoyer and the Garinagu

Here you can read about Joseph Chatoyer and the Garinagu people. The Garinagu people, also known as the Garifuna and the Black Caribs, are a unique creole society that developed on the island of St. Vincent, from African, Carib, Arawak and European elements and influences. Today the Garinagu can be found throughout the world, particularly in Central America. Joseph Chatoyer was the Paramount Chief of the Garinagu at the end of the 18th century and today he is recognised today as the National Hero of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The only known artefact associated with Chatoyer is a punch ladle that was presented to the West India Committee by a Mr. MacGregor Frame in the early 20th Century.

As part of a project, generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we have produced an e-book, written by David Wells, about the history of Joseph Chatoyer, the ladle and the Garinagu people. The individual chapters of this book can be accessed via the links below or it can be downloaded in its entirety here. We have also produced an Education Pack aimed at children in primary/grade schools, along with an accompanying Teachers’ Pack and an Educational Poster, that are all free to use.

You can view the 3D model of the ladle through the View the Ladle link below or here.