IN what they have confirmed to be their last jump, Just Us Kids once again wrote their name in the pages of the Carnival history books winning an unprecedented eighth Junior Band of the Year title. The winning portrayal âBefore the Sun was Yellowâ scored a whopping 463 points, 59 points more than their closest rivals.
Royalites xTreme Juniors portraying âIf I Could Flyâ and Gros Islet Kiddies Carnival Band âKwik Kwakâ had to share the spoils of second place with their respective portrayals leaving the judges in a deadlock after deliberations. 403
Another tie was recorded in the coveted Junior King of the Band category. Just Us Kidsâ Le Shauwn Joseph portraying âJab Jabâ and Limarni Lewis portraying âDe Hammer Man of Steelâ both scored a total of 439 points making them joint Junior Kings of the Band. Gros Islet Kiddiesâ Ethan Peter with âLeve St. Lucieâ round off the placements with a total of 402 points for third place.
The Junior Queen of the Band Category saw more of the same from Just Us Kids as they were present once again in the top two. Marcia Crick won the overall category with a total 454 points; her portrayal was titled âMardi Grasâ and Nyla Alexander placed second with her âSweet Sound of Panâ. Royalites xTreme Juniorsâ Neeva Fanus placed third with a tribute to the national bird, âVolĂ© Jacquot, VolĂ©â.
Just Us Kids made a clean sweep in the Individual of the Year category. Leading the way was Viviane Calderon with âFaces with Clownâ. She was followed by Dahlia St. Juesâ âJâOuvertâ portrayal and Amelia Charlemagne with âEyes of Folkloreâ.
The downpour that was promised that afternoon did nothing to dampen the spirits of the young revelers who in true carnival spirit, jumped, danced and waved to every beat.