Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary emerged as the standout performers of this year’s Junior Calypso competition, highlighting Saint Lucia’s vibrant Carnival season and showcasing the talents of the island’s youngest artists.
This week, the Junior Carnival calendar was bustling with activity, as officials from the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) promised an unforgettable experience enriched with talent, creativity, and cultural pride during the Junior Soca and Calypso Schools Showcase.
Students from primary and secondary schools gathered at Mindoo Philip Park to celebrate Saint Lucian culture through music and performance. The CPMC emphasizes that initiatives like these are vital for nurturing the next generation of artists and providing positive avenues for youth, steering them away from crime and violence.
On Wednesday, both Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary celebrated significant victories, clinching the Calypso and Soca crowns respectively , at the National Primary Schools Calypso & Soca Competition. This event welcomed young talents from across Saint Lucia to share their music, creativity, and cultural expression.
In the calypso segment, performers delivered compelling messages through their songs, employing storytelling and social commentary.
The results were as follows:
– 1st place: “Remember Me” by Mr. Personality – Dugard Combined
– 2nd place: “Las Manti La” by Ti Jean – Canon Laurie Anglican
– 3rd place: “What Should I Do” by Unique – Anglican Infant
– 4th place: “Standing Strong” by Mighty Informer – Ave Maria Girls’ Primary
The soca segment was equally electrifying, captivating both judges and the audience.
The results included:
– 1st place: “Lash Up” by Soca Storm – Ave Maria Girls’ Primary
– 2nd place: “We Ready for Di Road” by Zizi & Kiki – Carmen Rene Memorial
– 3rd place: “Big Dreams” by I-Scream – Ciceron R.C. Combined
– 4th place: “The Rain Has Nothing on Us” by Little J – Camille Henry Memorial
Other participating schools included Morne Du Don Primary, Saltibus Combined, Gordon Walcott Memorial, Les Etangs Combined, and Delcer RC Combined.
On Friday, the National Secondary Schools Calypso & Soca Competition took place at Mindoo Philip Park. Schools like Castries Comprehensive, Vieux Fort Comprehensive, Sir Ira Simmons Secondary, and St Joseph’s Convent showcased their talents.
The Lucian Junior Carnival also concluded its school tour on Friday, May 29, at Ciceron Combined School, bringing music, performances, and lively energy to students.
The event featured performances from artists including Shemmy J, Prado, Bronx, and Sir Lancelot, with Miss Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate, Derrelle Dubois, in attendance. Kicking off on May 15, the island-wide tour visited various schools, such as Gordon Walcott Memorial Methodist School, Dennery Primary, Tapion School, Castries Comprehensive, Choiseul Secondary, and Babonneau Primary, enriching students’ experiences with the spirit of Carnival.