St Francois Girls dethroned by Naps Combined

THERE was lots of love for Nailah Blackman's Iron Love during yesterday's National Junior Panorama (Secondary Schools) competition at Queen's Park Savannah today. It was the most played song among schools in that category, performed by El Dorado East Secondary (2nd), Bishop Anstey High School (3rd) and St Mary's College (6th). In the 21 and under category, the song was played by MHTL Starlift Juniors, Laventille Road Police Youth Club and BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra. Three bands in the primary schools category also played the song.

Blackman, who was near the stage watching the performances, was visibly emotional and wiped away tears.

"It is overwhelming. It's heart-warming. I'm so honoured. I feel grateful. I'm honestly filled with so much happiness," she told Newsday.

But in the end, it was Naparima College and Naparima Girls Combined from San Fernando who topped the secondary schools playing No Weapon by LFS Music. They bested last year's winner St Francois Girls who had to settle for 5th place with Jump and Play Yourself by Dennis Smith.

Moko jumbies, fire breathers, stick fighters and women with cocoyea brooms all danced alongside Naps Combined during their performance.

"I feel fantastic," said captain Calliste Charles. "We had a taste of the top three last year and we knew we were going to win this year. We just had that drive."

Both schools, based in San Fernando, will have a day off today to celebrate the victory.

Sixteen-year-old form five students Jamel Cadette of St Augustine Secondary School and Anthony Miller of Bishops Anstey and Trinity College East, each received a special prize for student arrangers.

Miller co-arranged Full of Vibe by Marge Blackman and Voice, with past Trinity student 18-year-old Jonathan Watson. They were chosen to arrange by their music teacher Tanya Hart after last year's competition.

"It feels great. It's a great first opportunity. I'm grateful to everyone who is in the band and I look froward to doing more arranging in the future," Miller said. He hopes to play with Super Novas after he graduates from school.

The Prime Minister was present and complimented the students for their musical display.

"One of the things the steelband movement teaches is discipline, and if at that age they could arrange a tune, the sky's the limit for them."

He said the students gave outstanding presentations and, because of their enthusiasm, some of the bands were better than some of the adult bands.