Junior Monarch participants excited and ready to go

For the nineteen contestants in this year’s Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch Competition, Saturday July 20 cannot come quickly enough as they are ready to go.

This year’s finals will take place at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium at 7 pm, and even though a few of the contestants are nervous as the day draws near, many of them are excited and rearing to go.

Last Friday, contestants gathered at Scotiabank to draw the order in which they will perform on the night of the finals.

In the 6-10 Category, Jahzara Inniss will perform first, LeAndre Headley-Clarke will perform second, Jayden Inniss – third, Kelicia Grimes – fourth, Soriyah Blackman – fifth, and Kenaz Walker – seventh.

In the 11-14 Category; performing 1st will be Xavier Mascoll, 2nd, Kiara King, 3rd, Jade Cole, 4th, Deyonte Braithwaite, 5th, Kiara Carrington, 6th the Reigning Monarch, Emari Browne and 7th, Shontae Alleyne- Clarke.

In the 15-18 Category, Faith Murrell will perform 1st, Raanan Hackett will perform 2nd, Reigning Monarch, Dequon Alleyne will perform 3rd, Yahandje Daniel 4th, Kymorhi Trotman 5th and Dondria Forde, 6th.

Tristan Layne, co-ordinator and producer of the Junior Monarch expressed a heartfelt thank you to the parents for their dedication to this festival and making sure that their children were on time for rehearsals and committed to performing.

“We hear in our society that our young people have lost their way and that they have no focus but these young contestants every year continue to come forward and show us who they really are and give of their best,” he said.

He also thanked Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Karen Best for her agreement to come onboard this year and recognising that involving the schools in this entire process will serve the nation even better as they go forward.

It is his hope to see more individuals joining the competition as the years progressed as a result of their school’s involvement.

Kim Stanton, Director of Business Support, Caribbean East Scotiabank expressed that it has been a joy for Scotiabank to be a proud sponsor of the competition for 21 years.

“The development and success of young people is what has motivated us for over 21 years of this sponsorship,” she said.

“The impact of this programme on young people is clearly seen – hundreds of students participate, equipping themselves with the opportunity to learn, enhance their skills and discover their full potential. Participants are exposed to more than just the competition aspect of the programme, but also benefit from mentorship and vocal training through scheduled workshops.” (CLF)