The National Garifuna Council (NGC) celebrated their 2nd Annual Mr. Garifuna King Competition on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the Lion's Den as part of their Garifuna Settlement Day festivities. Dion Samuels was named this year's Garifuna King.

The night commenced with a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem in Garifuna, followed by a very cheerful Garifuna prayer. Secondly, Barrington Castillo, one of the organizers of the event, introduced the audience to the contestants: Delroy Zuniga, Marcos Colon and Dion Samuels.

The contestants competed amongst themselves through a series of five dance competitions such as Hugu Hugu, Paranda, Punta, Chumba and a combination dance; all music was provided by an entertaining and traditional Garifuna Drummers Group from Dangriga.

The night also consisted of another competition called "Uraga Competition", which means a poem or story telling competition. The Uraga Competition was between two persons from the audience that had signed up for the challenge.

Another entertainer of the night was Dan Man; this interesting singer was promoting his new album "No Matter What". With much enthusiasm in the Lion's Den, the audience was ready to find out who would be taking the title of Mr. Garifuna King 2009. Lateefah Maximo, another organizer, took the stage to give her vote of thanks and announced Mr. Dion Samuels as the new Mr. Garifuna King. Lastly, the night concluded with the Garifuna Drummers and their excellent music.

Ambergris Today