St James tops Region IV Scouts Culturama Performing Arts Competition

WESTERN BUREAU:

Cub Scouts representing the St James Scout District emerged victorious at the inaugural staging of the Scout Association of Jamaica, Region IV Cub and Scouts Culturama Performing Arts Competition, which took place at the St John’s Methodist Church Community Centre, in Montego Bay, last Friday.

The St James cub scouts, who displayed exceptional skills and dedication, outperformed their colleague scout brothers from the Hanover and Westmoreland scouting districts, competing in a range of activities aimed at encouraging scouts to develop their artistic talents while promoting cultural awareness.

“This victory is a testament to the talent and perseverance of our scouts. They have worked tirelessly to prepare for this event, and their efforts have paid off,” said Paulette Downer, district commissioner for the St James Scout District. “We are incredibly proud of their performances and the positive light they have shone on our scouting community.”

The participants showcased their abilities in various performing arts disciplines, including speech, music, dance, and drama. They were judged based on creativity, originality, execution, costumes, storyline, and overall impact.

The event, sponsored in part by Gray’s Pepper, Beauty Queen Supplies and San Flora, saw the St James Scout District being propelled to victory by the Cub Scouts of Greater Destiny Preparatory Cub Pack, who won the gold medal for their musical performance, setting the stage for St James to take home the Cubs and Scouts Culturama Performing Art Competition trophy for 2024.

St James also got exemplary performances from the Cub Scouts of the Catherine Hall Primary School Cub Pack, who captivated the audience with powerful oratory and compelling storytelling, in taking the gold medal for drama. They also took the silver medal in dance through the Cub Scouts of Corinaldi Avenue Primary School; and a bronze medal for speech, performed by the DMP Academy Cub Scouts.

Hanover Scout District finished second overall, after winning the gold medal for speech in a vibrant performance by the Sandy Bay Primary School Cub Scouts. The district also won gold in the dance category, thanks to the Cubs Scouts of Askenish Primary School; and a silver medal in music, performed by Esher Primary School Cub Scouts.

Westmoreland Scout District, which finished third, won two silver medals for speech and drama performed by the Cub Scouts of Townhead Primary and Haddo Primary, respectively. They also secured two bronze medals in music and dance done by Townhead Primary Cub Scouts.

In the Scout Section, Hanover was the only district that had entries, in which Esher Primary School Scout Group represented and won gold medals for speech, dance, drama, and music.

In further hailing St James’ victory, Downer said she was “incredibly proud of their performances and the positive light they have shone on our scouting community.”

“We want to commend the event sponsors for their support in making the competition a success,” said Downer. “Their contributions have not only facilitated a platform for young scouts to shine but also reinforced the importance of cultural education and artistic expression in youth development.”