Local News

Battle of the drums is fast becoming one of the most popular events every year in Punta Gorda. Paul Mahung reports.

PAUL MAHUNG, Reporter

“The fourth annual Battle of the Drums’ summer camp began yesterday in Punta Gorda.  During the opening session, Battle of the Drums’ President Darius Avila explained that the camp is to provide the participants with a forum that will allow kids and youths ages 5 to 16 learn about the Garifuna culture as well as the transfer of relevant skills to have the participants make crafts use in Garifuna ceremonies and celebrations.  The camp will further engage all participants to actively participate in as many sessions that will additional instill self-esteem and pride in the young Garinagu.  Practical sessions will provide each participant the opportunity to make Garifuna flags and Garifuna maracas or musical shacka.  In addition to learning Garifuna songs that are unfamiliar to the participants, as well as learning new Garifuna words and how to play the Segunda and Primero drums, the two weeks camp will culminate with a visit to various Garifuna villages in southern Belize where the participants will be exposed to the Garifuna way of life in the respective communities to be visited.  Avila also confirmed that the weekend the Battle of the Drums, Garifuna Drumming in Schools Program for 2011-2012 ended with presentation of trophies and medals to winners of a competition in Garifuna drumming and singing.  During the program the primary school participants were placed in categories of training namely: beginner, intermediate and advance level.  The Battle of the Drum Garifuna Drumming in School Program was sponsored jointly by Battle of the Drum Secretariat and UNICEF.  Reporting for Love News, Paul Mahung, Punta Gorda.