Dazzling Junior Kadooment as Pinelands, designer Nanette Worrell dominate winners’ row

The Sweetest Summer Festival is heating up — and the energy reached a peak on Saturday when around 2,000 youthful masqueraders took centre stage at the Sunshine Snacks and Affinity Plus Credit Union Junior Kadooment, held at the National Botanical Gardens.

The festivities got underway promptly at 9 a.m. with a high-energy performance by the Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds, accompanied by the NCF Flag Dancers, setting the tone for a vibrant day of colour, culture, and creativity.

Thirty bands crossed the stage, ushered on by their energetic flag people. Incorporating choreographed routines, they showcased elaborate costumes, delighting the crowds who lined every vantage point.

Another presentation by the Pinelands Creative Workshop.

Dominating the results was Pinelands Creative Workshop, whose presentation Faces of Mas — a tribute to Caribbean masquerade traditions — featured six sections that captivated the judges. Under the direction of Shelly Durant-Forde, the band swept several major awards, including Best Community Band, Most Colourful Band, Best Costume Structure, and first place in both the Historical and Topical categories. They also placed second in Folklore.

Designer Nanette Worrell found glory among the private bands, which were adjudicated separately, capturing the prestigious Robert Weekes Award for Best Festival Designer for her presentation Folk Fusion.

Beautiful Barbados by Xante

They claimed top honours across several major categories, including Best Junior Band, Most Colourful Band, and Best Costume Structure. The band swept the Historical, Fantasy, and Folklore segments, placing first in each.

In the Couples category, Xante clinched first place in the 3–7 age group with Mauby Woman and Nuts Seller, and again in the 13–18 division with Gerdine and Partner, rounding off a stellar showing for the team.

Among their wins were the Junior King for his portrayal of Winston Jordan, while their depiction of cultural icon Qwyneth Squires earned second place in the Junior Queen segment. In the individual category for ages 8 to 12, Hold Him Joe was the winner, while Trinity Alleyne placed second in the Junior Flag Person category.

The National Library Service Island Treasures, with band leaders Jennifer Yarde and Richild Boyce were among the front runners. The group captured the BMA–Brands of Barbados Award and secured first place in the Topical category and second place in  Historical, and Fantasy. Their portrayal The Sun’s Time Keeper won first place in the Individuals 3–7 age group.

The Young Spirits Community Band was awarded the UNICEF prize for Best Anti-Violence Message.

Individual honours went to Joniah Nurse, who captured first place in the Junior Flag Person category, besting Jonathan Joseph-Gittens of Weston United Stars Community Group and Ciara Waithe of Hindsbury Primary School. In the 3–7 age group, Pinelands shone in the individuals category with Echoes of Our Ancestors, while their Cane Cutter and Water Bearer couple entry earned not only high marks from judges but also the Gwyneth Squires Schools and Community Award. They also triumphed in the Junior King category with King Kaleido.

Among the primary schools competing, St. Alban’s Primary stood out. Led by bandleader Glenn Brathwaite, their band Solaris: Living Images of Isles in the Sun explored the evolution of CARIFESTA and earned the title of Best School Band. They also secured second place in Topical, and third in both the Historical and Folklore categories. Their portrayal of Carifesta 1976 – Guyana clinched the Junior King title for the school.

A presentation by the Roland Edwards Primary.

Another standout was Roland Edwards Primary School, whose presentation The Journey from Africa to Barbados, designed by Andrea Phillips, earned the BMA – Brands of Barbados Award. They topped the Fantasy and Folklore categories and placed second in Historical. In the 8–12 individual category, their entries Tuk Band and All Aboard secured second and third place respectively, while Magnificent Maypole and Anansi earned third in the Couples 8–12 category.

Hindsbury Primary School paid tribute to cultural icon Tyrone Trotman, while Xante – Folk Fusion, designed by Nanette Worrell, honoured the late Gwyneth Squires and Winston Jordan.

Tribute was paid to veteran masquerader, the late Gwyneth Squires.

While large crowds gathered around the main judging stage to witness the creative displays, the action was not confined to that space. Just steps away, the party zone was buzzing as a mini carnival kept throngs of young attendees entertained. with performances from some of the season’s top entertainers, including Azizi Clarke, Mikey, Tae, Peter Ram, and a return performance from Alison Hinds.

As temperatures soared, patrons flocked to the Cool Down Zone for sweet relief, with snow cones and ice cream in high demand. (STT)