Starlift Steel Orchestra are the 2023 Junior Panorama champions!

The inclement weather held off for the staging of the 2023 Junior Panorama on Sunday, June 2, with repeat champions, Hennessy Starlift Steel Orchestra again claiming the coveted title of Junior Pan champs.

Members of the Hennessy Junior Starlift Steel Orchestra celebrate on stage after winning the Junior Panarama title.

Six bands entered the competition this year, down by eight from last year’s 14. At a Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) press conference last week it was revealed that the equipment of some pan groups were damaged as a result of the ash fall from the eruption of La Soufriere Volcano in 2021 resulting in the reduced number of performers.

The six groups all brought the vibes of the engine room on July 1, at Victoria Park performing both vintage and new soca/calypso arrangements.

Mitchell Duarte, the youngest arranger in the competition, was beaming with pride at the accomplishments of Hennesy Starlift when the results were announced after 8:00 p.m. The group stormed the stage, much to the delight of family and supporters in the crowd.

Nine points separated the top two places with the winners, who performed ‘All I Need’ by Hance John, amassing 245 points, and second place, Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra, gaining 236 points with a rendition of ‘Cocaine Jumbie’ by Field Marshall. Third place went to Symphonix Steel Orchestra performing ‘Hands in the Air’ by Winston Soso which the judges awarded 232 points.

Bishop’s College Kingstown, landed 223 points with ‘Afro Caribbean’ by Blacksand, Leaf Elite Steel Orchestra’s ‘Kentucky’ by Becket took fifth place having amassed 174 points, and the Sandy Bay Secondary School performing an original arrangement ‘To the Sky’ was awarded 116 points and placed in the sixth position.

Competition Results.