As Saint Lucia’s Carnival season gathers momentum, the island’s youngest performers are stepping into the spotlight through the Junior Carnival programme, a key component of efforts to preserve and strengthen the nation’s cultural traditions.
Primary and secondary school students recently showcased their talents at the Mindoo Phillip Park in Marchand, Castries, using music, performance and creativity to celebrate Saint Lucian culture during the National Primary Schools Calypso and Soca Competition held on June 3.
The Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) says the initiative is about more than competition. Officials view Junior Carnival as an important avenue for youth development, cultural education and positive engagement.
Public Relations Officer of the CPMC, Jade Brown, said the decision to host the event at Mindoo Phillip Park has helped create an atmosphere that reflects the traditional spirit of carnival.
“So having it here in Marchand is a really traditional feel. We started doing it in 2024 and it’s been going really well. You see various schools from across the island, they’ve been doing excellently and in terms of the support that they give to their peers, whether it be from their school or other schools, we must commend them for that also. So today has been going really well,” Brown said.
According to Brown, sustainability remains one of the central pillars of the Junior Carnival programme.
“Sustainability is one of our key pillars for Lucian Junior Carnival and Lucian Junior Carnival is an integral part of the Lucian Carnival product. What we want is for young people to feel invested, to feel like they are part of Lucian Carnival,” she explained.
Brown noted that the programme exposes students to various aspects of the carnival industry beyond performing on stage.
“So when they sing, when they perform, when they host, when they go backstage and they learn how to do the logistical side of event management, all of this forms part of Lucian Carnival,” she added.
The competition highlighted the impressive talent emerging from schools across the island.
In the Soca Competition, first place went to Soca Storm of the Ave Maria Girls Primary School. Zizi & Kiki of the Carmen Rene Memorial School secured second place, while I-Scream of the Ciceron R.C. Combined School placed third. Little J of the Camille Henry Memorial School finished fourth.
In the Calypso Competition, Mr. Personality of the Dugard Combined School captured the top prize. Ti Jean of the Canon Laurie Anglican School placed second, followed by Unique of the Anglican Infant School in third place and Mighty Informer of the Ave Maria Girls School in fourth.
Among the schools celebrating success was the Canon Laurie Anglican Primary School, whose representative Ti Jean earned second place in the Calypso competition.
Music teacher Robert Rene praised the student’s dedication and the collaborative effort that contributed to the achievement.
“It is my esteemed pleasure to be able to support, through the Cannon Laurie Anglican Primary School, our young Calypsonians. This year we had a Calypsonian by the name of Ti Jean, and last year we had Selena,” Rene said.
“And of course, these students, it was a huge pleasure for them. They were very excited for the opportunity to participate in the competition.”
Reflecting on the preparation process, Rene emphasized the teamwork involved in getting students ready for the stage.
“This year, with regards to the preparation, it really was a collective effort,” he added.
The Junior Carnival programme continues on June 5 with the National Secondary Schools Competition, which is scheduled to take place at the Mindoo Phillip Park from 10 a.m.
Organizers are hopeful that the enthusiasm displayed by participants and supporters alike signals a bright future for Saint Lucia’s calypso and Soca traditions, while reinforcing the role of culture as a positive force in the lives of young people.