Pictured Paul Cato and Chloe Collymore receiving their trophies as Parish Ambassadors for 2022 representing St. Lucy from Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith.
The COVID- 19 restriction have been lifted and Barbadians are now able to enjoy some of the staple events integral to the entertainment calendar. The Spirit of the Nation Show has always been one of the highlights of the island’s independence celebrations. While a virtual format of the show was presented in 2019 , the fans had the opportunity to get up close to the live action on Saturday night with their return to the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. Representatives from the eleven parishes squared off as they competed for the coveted prize of Spirit of the Nation Parish Ambassadors for 2022.
When the dust had settled, Paul Cato and Chloe Collymore had confidently retained the title for St. Lucy. They were challenged by Tyrell Burnett and Samantha Greaves from St. Michael who came second. While Tremaine Trotman and Peta Watson from St. Andrew and Derek Anderson and Simone Williams from St Phillip took the other top spots respectively.
Hosts for the evening Belle Holder and Wayne Simmons ensured that the program ran seamlessly as the participant faced off in multiple categories. The first segment to be judged was Public Speaking, another category won by St. Lucy. There were followed by St. Philp in second and St. James represented by Ajani Batson and Khadija Williams in third.
While picturesque scenes from their respective parishes flashing behind them, the ambassadors presented their Parish Projects and St. Lucy would eventually emerge triumphant in this round as well. Their project which focused on entrepreneurship gained them the Productivity Award .
St. Lucy’s featured prominently as the prizes were awarded. Their attendant Tony Pompey was recognised as Attendant of the Year. Marsha Greenidge of St. Michael was second and Janine White of St. Peter was third in this category.
Next the ambassadors paraded before the judges in costumes, which depicted elements of their parish legacy. Though some costumes were more elaborate than some , they each had their own story to tell. Whether it was their depiction of the Chelsea Flower Show or a vivid representation of slave Cuffy ‘s tumultuous journey, the competitors were determined to find favour with the judges. St Michael came out on top in this round with their designer Neil Stanley snagging the award for Best Costume.
The competitors donned an amazing array of beautiful gowns in the formal wear segment in a kaleidoscope of colours . However, it was formal wear extraordinaire Lester Welch who clinched that category for St. Andrew with the striking pieces.
The talent competition displayed the varied talents of the participants drawn from each of the parishes. Shem White was an undeniable winner as he delivered a boss performance of Gabby’s Emmerton. His performance was hard to top, and he also walked away with the Most Impactful title. Second place went to St. Lucy’s Damien Bishop who was hilarious with dramatic piece called The Old Prayer. Lashawna Griffith evoked pride for Christ Church with the thought provoking The Belch of Racism has a Pungent Odour. She earned third place for her talent and captured Most Original Act.
Attendees also enjoyed a superb presentation by 2 Mile Hill. The band impressed with their original material and had the audience singing along with a few folk songs in true patriotic fashion.
