Schools from the 10 administrative regions participated in the Calypso, Dramatic Poetry, Physical Display and Costume segments of the competition.

At the Cultural Centre, there was a surprisingly poor turnout of school children.

In Calypso and Dramatic Poetry, participants in their presentations called for an end to the killings and violence and for to unity reign.

In the Calypso Individual finals (11-13 age group) Ernesta Nelson of Buxton Community High School emerged winner with her performance of `Unity is the Key'.

Other schools excelling in the same category were Johanna Cecelia from Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and Hosororo Primary from Region One (Barima/Waini), which gained second and third place, respectively.

Schools excelling in the Dramatic Poetry were Anna Regina Multilateral, One Mile Primary and Sacred Heart Primary, in the 11-13 category.

Winning entries in the 5-7 category were `I am serious' from Mackenzie Primary, `To wheel around' from West Ruimveldt Primary and `Guyanese' from St. John the Baptist Primary from Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

Winning entries in the 8-10 Calypso segment were `Music' from Crane Primary of Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Charity Primary from Region Two with `Come together' and Coomacka Primary in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) also with `Come together'.

`Healing', an entry from Berbice High School in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) gained first place in the 14-17 Calypso section and other schools with winning entries were Bartica Secondary, and Abrams Zuil Secondary from Region Two.

Dramatic Poetry winners were Annandale Secondary (`I mad') and Mackenzie Secondary (`My moods').

In the ex-tempo category Stacy Ann Scott of St Angela's Primary gained first place with `I want to be a moon resident'.

Over at the Sports Hall, students competed in the Costume and Physical Display aspects of the competition.

First place winners in the Costume competition of various age groups were Fort Ordnance Primary from Region Six, St Stephen's Primary, Bartica Secondary and Two Miles Primary of Region Seven.

Some winners of the Physical Display were Mackenzie Primary, Regma Primary, West Ruimveldt and Christianburg Secondary.

The competition continues today at the National Park with the Masquerade and Dance segment.