By Belize Live News Staff: The September Celebrations Commission paid tribute to eight Belizean artists on Wednesday afternoon at the House of Culture, where the Awards for Creative and Cultural Excellence highlighted the nation’s diverse cultural achievements.
Among the honorees was Leroy “The Grandmaster” Young, recipient of the Zee Edgell Award for Literary Art, remembered for transforming poetry into a voice for social justice. Mary “Mamie” Martinez took home the Rosita Baltazar Award for her lifelong commitment to classical ballet instruction.
Derrick “Dickey” Straughan, a pioneer in original Belizean music, received the Andy Palacio Award. The Don Elijio Panti Award went to Andy Chuc, recognized for promoting Yucatec Maya traditions and language.
Other winners included Gilvano Swasey (George Gabb Award for visual art), Margaret Welcome (Leela Vernon Award for cultural heritage), and Sharmaine Garcia (Beverly Smith-Lopez Award for acting). Diane Haylock rounded out the list with the Outstanding Cultural Leadership Award for her theatre work and cultural diplomacy.
Minister Francis Fonseca and BTB Director Evan Tillett presented the awards, praising the artists for shaping Belize’s cultural identity and inspiring the next generation.
