MUCH energy and vigour were displayed last Monday by children from various schools in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) as the Department of Education hosted its Children’s Dramatic Poetry and Calypso Competitions. Hundreds of children and teachers flocked the Anna Regina Community Centre ground to witness the spectacular display put forward in the various competitions.

The programme commenced with brief opening remarks from the Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikarran, who commended the efforts of the department for the hosting of the activity. Jaikarran said the children’s competitions are important in celebrating Mashramani in the region. He, however, told all the participants that they were all winners.
Many schools incorporated their message with the discovery of oil, in keeping with the theme “Rediscovering El Dorado”. Calls were made for persons to live in cohesion, love and unity. In various calypso pieces, they sent messages for the citizens in Guyana to live in peace. Emphasis was also placed on messages for drivers to stop speeding on the road.
The children were dressed in brightly coloured clothing depicting various Mashramani messages.

Participating in the Dramatic Competition this year, in the 5-7 Category was Huist T’Dieren Primary and Mainstay Lake Primary. In the 8-10 Category, eight primary schools participated namely Suddie, Mainstay Lake, Huist T’Dieren, Hampton Court, Taymouth Manor and C. V. Nunes, Fisher Primary and Aurora.

In the 11-13 Category, seven schools participated namely Aurora Secondary, Mainstay Lake Primary, Hampton Court Primary, Capoey Primary, Abram Zuil Secondary, Sparta Primary and Taymouth Manor Primary.

In the 14-17 Category, six Secondary schools participated including Johanna Cecilia, Anna Regina Secondary, 8th May, Aurora, Cotton Field and Charity Secondary.
Meanwhile, in the Calypso 5-7 Category three schools participated namely Tapakuma Lake Primary, Charity Primary and Mainstay Lake Primary. In the Calypso 8-10 Category, Tapakuma Lake Primary, Mainstay Lake and Aurora Primary took part.

The judges for the competition were Deodath Singh, Desiree Charles, Lavern George and Gerry Etkinson.
The competitions were held under the Mash Theme “Celebrate Mash 49 with victory in mind – Rediscovering El Dorado”.