THE Canon Laurie Anglican Primary School and the Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School have successfully defended their titles as reigning champions at the highly anticipated 2025 Sagicor National Schools Choir Competition. The event, held on Tuesday 4th February, 2025 at the National Cultural Center, brought together six schools for a showcase of musical talent and dedication.
The annual competition, organized by the Curriculum and Material Development Unit (CAMDU) at the Ministry of Education and title sponsor Sagicor, saw students and music teachers from across the island putting months of preparation into their performances. Each school delivered a test piece and a song of choice, all in pursuit of the prestigious choir championship.
Music Curriculum Specialist at CAMDU, Jason C. Joseph, highlighted the growing enthusiasm for the competition, noting an increase in participation this year. He said, “We commend all the schools that took part in this year’s competition, especially those that didn’t make it to the finals. Your passion and dedication to music do not go unnoticed, and we encourage you to remain focused and involved. Music is a journey, and every effort you put in contributes to your growth. We also extend our gratitude to Sagicor for their unwavering support in making this event a success.”
This year marks the third consecutive year of Sagicor’s title sponsorship of the competition. Sherlon Leon, Head of Sales at Sagicor Life (Eastern Caribbean) Inc., expressed pride in supporting the initiative and commended all stakeholders for their contributions. “As the proud sponsor of this event for three years now, we are honored to support initiatives that nurture the arts in schools. Music and the performing arts are not just extracurricular activities; they are essential to the holistic development of young minds. They teach discipline, creativity, teamwork, and confidence—qualities that will serve these students well throughout their lives, no matter where their paths may lead. For us, sponsorship is not just about putting a name behind an event—it is about investing in the communities where we operate,” said Leon.
Following an impressive showcase, the Canon Laurie Anglican Primary School and the Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School once again emerged victorious in their respective categories.
In the Primary School Division, Babonneau Primary School and Augier Combined secured second and third place, respectively. In the Secondary School Division, Stanley Jon Odlum School of Arts, Media, and Design placed second, while St. Mary’s College took third place.
The Sagicor National Schools Choir Competition continues to be a platform for young talent to shine, fostering a love for music and performance among Saint Lucian students.