The town of Punta Gorda was established as a fishing village in the early 1800s. Known to the Garifuna as Peini, Punta Gorda has grown from a traditional Garifuna community to a commercial centre for a large portion of southern Belize. PG, as the town is commonly called, is known for its friendly and laid-back atmosphere. Due to influx of other ethnic groups such as Mayans and mestizos, Punta Gorda is no longer considered a predominantly Garifuna town, but a close-knit Garifuna community with about 1,500 Garifuna still remains at its centre.

Methodist school children

Punta Gorda is the home of the famous Paranda musician, Paul Nabor, a community spiritual leader and traditional herbalist. When in PG visit the local fish market on Front Street early in the morning when Garifuna fishermen bring in their catch of the day. Garifuna drumming can often be heard ? check out the Ocean View bar, the Sports bar or Walucos.

Fishermen in traditional dories are often seen early in the morning

Front Street

PG Temple, Jose Maria Nunez Street

Garifuna Settlement day parade

Cerro Hill ? St. Vincent block

975 acres of land including Cerro Hill were bought for farming use mid 1800s by the Garifuna community. A local Garifuna large land holder, Jose Maria Nunez, paid up what the community could not afford. Today the land is in trust for the Garifuna community and used for small scale farming and homesteads.

Read more about things to do in Punta Gorda and Toledo at www.southernbelize.com.