Mr. Pablo Lambey

---

Pablo Lambey holds a legacy of leadership and compassion that has left a lasting impression on the Garifuna culture.

With a clear vision for the future and a sincere love for the people he served, Pablo Lambey holds a legacy of leadership and compassion that has left a lasting impression on the Garifuna community. From political activist to grassroots politician, a community supporter, and most importantly, a man dedicated to his family, Pablo was a man of honor who was well-respected by many. His impact is still felt by those he served throughout his life.

Pablo was born the youngest of 4 children in San Juan Tela, Honduras, in 1932 to his mother, Apolinaria Petillo, and father, Etanislado Lamberth. His parents were active members of their community. Apolinaria was a farmer and activist, an actress, a songwriter, and a member of the Methodist church. Etanislado owned his ship, which he was a merchant of as an ambitious entrepreneur. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the family when Pablo was just four years old. In the San Juan Tela Massacre, his father was one of the 19 people tragically killed on March 12, 1937. Soon after, Pablo’s mother decided it was best to be near supportive relatives with her young children, and the family moved to Dangriga Town, Belize. At the San Juan Tela Massacre site, there is a monument where you will see Pablo’s father’s name - Etanislado Lamberth. 

Pablo is most proud of the family he and his wife built together. He met the love of his life while she was working in Gallon Jog at the Kasibeer home. Alice’s strength, humility, caring nature, and beauty drew Pablo in quickly. The two were wed in December of 1957 and built a family consisting of their biological and adopted children; nevertheless, all were their children. They were devoted to the love of family and family unity. While family always came first for Pablo, his duty and service to the Garifuna people arrived at a close second.

Though his education stopped in the eighth grade, Pablo was a charismatic influencer who accomplished notable things. He was the President of the National Garifuna Council, a member of the Human Rights Commission, Secretary of The General Workers Development Union, and a mentee of the late Thomas Vincent Ramos. In addition, he was a member of the Settlement Day Committee, the Four Aces Club, the Belize Obligation Society, and the Ecumenical School Board. But, it does not end there; Pablo was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace and a significant contributor to the acquisition of the CDS Land, where the Pablo Lambey Cultural Centre now sits, in Dangriga, Belize. 

Throughout his career, Pablo faced challenges, such as a lack of support and funding. However, he never let the hardships stop him from pursuing what he believed was right. His faith in God and his ancestors gave him the strength to persevere. As he would say, “Forward ever, backward never, Excelsior”! He used his lessons learned to educate others while instilling the values and activities of the culture he loved. He was a proponent of speaking the Garifuna Language and pushed for dignity for the yurumein (homeland). 

Sadly, this giant of a man’s life was cut short at 67 years old after a long battle with kidney failure. But, thankfully, his message to believe in yourself and fight for the equality of the Garinagu People still moves through the people he loved today. Pablo was a visionary leader with a heart for progress to ensure a brighter future for the Garifuna people.