Under the theme “Anguilla Our Future” the first ever Inter Primary School Calypso Competition was staged at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre on Saturday 4 June, and what a show it was. The fair sized crowd was treated to a very entertaining, high quality show by these first-time calypsonians.
The competition was the brainchild of the Platinum Band and they were joined by the Department of Youth and Culture (DYC) and the Anguilla National Calypso Association (ANCA) in making the idea a reality.
All six public primary schools as well as the Omolulu International School participated in the show, each school being represented by one participant three of whom were girls. Each school was assigned mentors in the persons of senior calypsonians who helped in preparing the students for the show. These mentors and the principals, staff and students of the various schools, along with parents and family members of the participants, exhibited great enthusiasm towards the event and in the end were able to produce a show of excellent quality.
The eventual and very popular winner of the show was 12 year-old Destinee Richardson of the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School whose song “De Forum” brought a large section of the audience to their feet. She was followed by Singing DiDi of the Orealia Kelly Primary School with her song “This Land Is Ours”. The second runner-up position went to Khorey “Smarty Pants” Barrett, the youngest of the participants at just 8 years old, with his plea to adults in the community to “Show Us the Way”, while the third runner-up spot was taken by “Super Chung” representing the Alwyn Allison Primary School.
Each participating school received a monetary prize while the participants all received vouchers, in varying amounts, redeemable at the Computer Super Store. Each participant came away from the show with a tangible token of participation.
The organizers of the show wish to extend gratitude to ALL who, in any way, contributed to the outstanding success of this the first ever Inter Primary School Calypso Competition. Not only will it help to preserve an aspect of our culture – it will undoubtedly assist with the development of our youth by engaging them in what is a very worthwhile social and cultural activity. The hope is that this would become an annual event to be incorporated into the Anguilla Day celebrations.
