Nurses who did voluntary work among the community. In short, she was a person interested in the life of her people regardless of race or color and was a promoter of free expression to demonstrate and develop Belizean folklore and culture. This great womans contributions to the development of her people were many. She pioneered the establishment of the first Village Council in Gales Point. She assisted in the setting up of sub-libraries in the community centers at the villages where she worked, and she entertained people with skits, cultural programs and plays. She pointed the way for many in Belize and many followed. She was truly a Belizean patriot. Another great hero worthy of mention is the legendary and famous T.V. Ramos. Thomas Vincent Ramos originated the first Garifuna Settlement Day celebration in 1941 and on November 6, 1943 he led a delegation to the Governor asking him to sanction the 19th of November as a public holiday in all the towns where a Carib population was in the majority. Because of this great man, the 19th of November is now celebrated countrywide. He also loved to write Carib hymns and he wrote a booklet entitled Carib History. His contributions to Belize were many. He established the Carib Development Society where a sick and benefit fund was implemented and put to creditable use among others. He achieved for his people the recognition they rightly deserved and he was one of the first Garifuna involved in the movements related to support the Universal Negro Improvement Association. He was truly a great man who was proud to be Garifuna. It is apparent that Gwen Lizarraga was a great woman of this country who always thought of the poor and needy. This exceptional woman holds at least two records in this country: she was the first woman to be elected to the House of Representatives and she was also the first woman to be appointed a government Minister. In politics, her influence was broad and deep ...
