Primary Schools BotD 2025
AdminThe 2nd Annual Primary Schools BotD (Battle of the Drums) 2025 was successfully held at the Russel “Chiste” Garcia Sporting Auditorium in Dangriga Town. The event brought together primary school students from across Belize in a vibrant cultural competition centered on Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance. The Primary Schools Battle of the Drums 2025 featured ten primary schools, providing young participants with a national platform to showcase their talents while engaging in a positive, educational, and culturally enriching experience.
Objectives of the Primary Schools BotD (Battle of the Drums)
The event was organized with the following objectives:
– To allow primary school–aged children to compete meaningfully while showcasing their talents in Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance.
– To provide a forum for interaction among primary school students from different parts of Belize in a positive cultural environment.
– To generate funds that will be reinvested into the Primary Schools Battle of the Drums, ensuring long-term sustainability.
– To support Garifuna cultural retrieval initiatives within participating primary schools.
– To create a talent pipeline for future participation in the High Schools Battle of the Drums.
Winners – Primary Schools BotD (Battle of the Drums) 2025
Special Awards
Best Chumba Performance:
Sacred Heart Primary School – $50.00
Best Wanaragua Dancer:
Jahvai Swazo – Christ The King Anglican School – $50.00
Best Sisira Player: (Three-way tie) – $25.00 each
Tyler Sabal – Christ The King Anglican School
Jamaii Martinez – St. Alphonsus Primary School
Kenrick Palacio Jr. – St. Peter Claver Primary School
Best Gayusa Award: (Two-way tie) – $50.00 shared
Sacred Heart Primary School
St. Alphonsus Primary School
1st Place: Sacred Heart Primary School – Dangriga Town
– $300.00 cash prize
– 1st Place medals
– Pair of Garifuna drums
– Trophy valued at $800.00
2nd Place: St. Alphonsus R.C. School – Seine Bight Village
– $200.00 cash prize
– 2nd Place medals
3rd Place: Christ The King Anglican School – Dangriga Town
– $150.00 cash prize
– 3rd Place medals
Consolation Prizes
All remaining participating schools received $100.00 each.
Support and Acknowledgements
All participating schools were supported in preparation and participation through the generous contributions of: In Honour and Memory of Cornelio and Julia Avilez-Apolonio; In Honour and Memory of Antonia & William D. Labriel; Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; Mayor Robert Mariano; Ministry of Indigenous Affairs; National Institute of Culture and History (NICH); Stephen Palacio; Verne Rodriguez; Nelson Palacio; Rachel Mejia-Nuñez; Thomas Nuñez; Charles Mariano; TIDE; and the Battle of the Drums Secretariat.
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