Sandy Bay Government, St Martin’s Secondary and EHS Mesopotamia victorious at Junior Calypso and Soca

An explosion of talent was on display on July 4, as 24 young contenders vied vigorously for the titles of Junior Calypso and Junior Soca Monarch 2023.

The Victoria Park came alive on Tuesday as supporters of the students who competed in this year’s competition flocked to the venue. They turned out in large numbers and were loud in their cheers of the youths who confidently took to the stage and showcased their marvellous performances.

The show, hosted by the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) was again divided into three judged categories.

The first component was the Junior Primary Schools Calypso which saw eight competing students. It was then followed by the Secondary Schools Calypso competition which also saw eight performances. Then, the Soca Monarch which showcased a mixture of nine energetic performances from students at both the primary and secondary level.

When the results were announced, it was defending champion, Devine Walters of the Sandy Bay Government School who retained her title of Junior Calypso Monarch after winning the primary category with a number called “Nation Building”. Second place was first timer, Divyne Hackshaw of the Argyle Roman Catholic Primary school with her performance of “Love the Children More.” Third position went to Deannice Davis of the Calder Government School performing “Gratitude.” Davis placed second last year.

In the Secondary Schools Calypso category, Omani Cupid of the Emmanuel High School, Mesopotamia came out victorious. While the youngster was the last to perform, his outstanding performance of “My Time” led him to the crown.
Second place in that category was last year’s winner, Christian Christopher of the St Vincent Grammar School, with his performance “ Build the Rocket Fast Elon.”

Third position was captured by Shenea Stephens of the St Vincent Girls’ High School who also placed third last year. She performed “ Age Limit.”

Zion Lewis of the St Joseph Convent, Kingstown also tied for third position performing “ Change the Van Culture.”
In the Soca Monarch competition, St Martins Secondary school performer, De- Andre Simmons took the top spot with his rendition of “Stadium.”

The second place was captured by last year’s winner, Deano Nero of the Sandy Bay Secondary School who took his performance to the crowd with a piece called “Let me Go.”

Third place went to Kristian Christopher who is no stranger to the competition, with his performance of “ Carnival Is.”
The other performers in the Primary Schools category of Junior Calypso were: Califano Phillips of the Langley Park Primary School; Xavi Haynes, Evesham Methodist; Aginene Caesar, C.W. Prescod Primary; Shanda Jackson, Lowmans Windward Primary; and Nyla Nero of the Greiggs Primary School.

In the Secondary Schools category the other performers were: Bradleya Sutherland, Sandy Bay Secondary; Lizah Griffith, Central Leeward Secondary; Gabriella Veira,Campden Park Secondary; and Quincyya Roberston, Troumaca Ontaria Secondary.

The other participants in the Soca category were: Jonia Matthias, Greiggs Primary; Deco J Theobalds, Central Leeward Secondary; Kyron Nero, Sandy Bay Secondary; D’Shanti Francis, Dr J.P. Eustace Memorial; Johnny Duncan, Troumaca Ontario Secondary; and Johnny Duncan, Campden Park Secondary.