The National Cultural Centre echoed with the sounds of youthful harmony last Wednesday as the Sagicor Schools Choir Competition reached its thrilling climax. In a showcase of immense talent and discipline, students from across the island competed for top honours in the Primary and Secondary school divisions.
The 2026 finals featured a high-stakes showdown among four primary and two secondary finalists. In the Primary School Division, the stage was set with stellar performances from Augier Combined Primary, Babonneau Primary, Ave Maria Primary, and the defending champions, Canon Laurie Anglican Primary. In the Secondary School Division, The Jon Odlum School of Arts, Media and Design challenged the reigning titleholders, The Sir Ira Simmons Secondary.
Both Canon Laurie Anglican and Sir Ira Simmons Secondary entered the day with high expectations, each aiming to secure a historic “three-peat” by winning their respective titles for the third consecutive year. And both schools achieved their objectives as the emerged winners once more.
Jason Joseph, Music Curriculum Officer from the Curriculum and Materials Development Unit (CAMDU) and the event’s main organizer praised the growth of the competition: “The choir competition commenced promptly at 10:00 am and drew an impressive audience. Each performance lived up to the expectations, showcasing talent and dedication. The programme unfolded seamlessly, guided by a mistress of ceremonies who kept the crowd entertained and engaged throughout. Overall it was a resounding success, reflecting both careful organisation and spirited participation. Looking ahead, I hope to see an even greater diversity of musical performances and the involvement of a broader cross section of schools at the proposed Sagicor Schools Music Festival in 2027.”
Speaking on behalf of the title sponsor, Sherlon Leon, Head of Sales for Sagicor Life (Eastern Caribbean) Inc highlighted the broader impact of the initiative: “For the fourth consecutive year, we are proud to partner with CAMDU in supporting an initiative that nurtures a deep love and appreciation for choral music. At Sagicor, we believe in investing in our communities and in the development of our youth. When we support the arts, we help to build creativity, discipline, and cultural pride—qualities that strengthen our society for generations to come. As we celebrate 185 years of Sagicor’s presence, we are proud that this competition is part of our history and the history of our beloved country.”
Sagicor and CAMDU extended their gratitude to the parents, choir leaders, and the Ministry of Education for their unwavering support. Plans are already in motion for 2027, with a goal to increase participation and continue fostering musical excellence across the region.
The final results are as follows:
Primary School Division
1st Place: Canon Laurie Anglican Primary
2nd Place: Babonneau Primary
3rd Place: Ave Maria Primary
4th Place: Augier Combined
Secondary School Division
1st Place: Sir Ira Simmons Secondary
2nd Place: Jon Odlum School of Arts, Media and Design
This year’s staging held special significance as the initiative is aligned with the Nobel Laureate Festival, a national observance honouring Saint Lucia’s two Nobel Laureates and celebrating the island’s cultural and intellectual achievements.