We are excited to introduce to you the 2026 Gakyil for Tashigar Norte on beautiful Margarita Island, Venezuela. We know that times are quite difficult in Venezuela in this moment, anyhow our intention is to continue with positive energy and to preserve this precious Gar. We have great hopes that one day it will once again be open to all members of the Community in safety and harmony.
We would like to thank Rolo for serving on the past Gakyil, and for his agreeing to continue the very complex work of managing finances in current circumstances. His dedication over so many years is amazing and greatly appreciated.
Many many thanks to Marina Kashkurova, who has now retired from her role in the Gakyil. We hope that under her management and dedication, TashiRefuge will continue to provide a safe haven for homeless animals, continuing to give the gift of freedom from fear.
Introducing the Gakyil of Tashigar Norte for 2026
Rolo Carrasco – Yellow Gakyil (essential link TN / advisor & facilitator on finances and infrastructure)
I have been a student of Rinpoche since 2004. I arrived in Tashigar North in December 2005. I served a year as a Geko in early 2006, and again in 2008. In 2009 I served as Secretary, and in 2010, I was entrusted with administration. In 2011, I passed the SMS Base level exam and received first Level training in Tashigar South. Throughout these years, I have led and collaborated on various projects implemented in the Gar. I co-own a house in the village of Tashigar North with Marina. I also support TashiRefuge, a project that helps abandoned dogs and cats in the area. Between 2020 and 2024, I formally served as a Yellow Gakyil. Currently I continue to collaborate with the Gakyil, especially the Yellow Gakyil, in the work of preserving Tashigar North.
Massimo Catalfo – Yellow Gakyil
Massimo attended his first retreat in 1997 and has been a member of the community since year 2000. He visited Margarita Island and TN several times. In 2023 he visited again the Gar and upon the purchase of a home in the TN Village, he became a member of PCTN (Projecto Communitario Tashigar Norte). His intention is to spend more time on Margarita island and to collaborate actively to the life of the Gar. Background in engineering/multimedia/ administration/hospitality.
Rosemary Friend – Red Gakyil
Rosemary met Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in 1988 and is a Level 1 Vajra Dance instructor. Her professional life was spent as a medical doctor and psychotherapist. A founding member of the PCTN Tashigar Gar Village project, Rosemary resides in her home there when she can.
Douglas Uzcategui – Red Gakyil
My personal and professional background is linked to the cultural and educational field. I have been visiting Tashigar Norte since early 2008. From then on, a relationship developed that grew increasingly close until 2012. Since that year, I have supported the Dzogchen Community in any activity that requires my assistance. Over time and due to changing circumstances, I have assumed various responsibilities requested of me to support and maintain this sacred place. I live on the Gar full-time. Currently, and until the Community decides otherwise, I am part of the Gakyil of Tashigar Norte.
Dina Priymak – Blue Gakyil
Dina met Rinpoche in 2002. The time spent in Tashigar Norte following his teachings since 2004 has been profoundly meaningful and since then she has happily contributed to various projects within the DC. In 2010 she was qualified as a Yantra Yoga instructor, later also for Kumar Kumari, Respira and Chair Yantra Yoga. Since 2019 Dina has been teaching Kumar Kumari in Italian schools and she currently continues this work within programs funded by the Tuscany Region in Italy. She holds a degree in Linguistic Pedagogy, graduating this year in Osteopathy in Milan and continues her studies of Tibetan Medicine in Tenerife.
(New Member) Diane Campbell – Blue Gakyil
First met Rinpoche in the late 1980’s; joined the DC in the mid 1990’s. Originally from the US, but living in Belize since 1992. One of the original founders and Directors of Projecto Communitario Tashigar Norte (PCTN) which was the original landowning company, and is the Homeowner’s Association for the residential project. She been continuously active in that aspect of TN. Has a small home in the Gar and sincerely hopes to return to it again when conditions allow. Professional background is in real estate development and construction. Retired in 2023. Active in local volunteer initiatives related to conservation and quality of life.
We are grateful and happy to contribute and serve our community with dedication, harmony, and a spirit of collaboration.
