photo by Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: – Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, St. John’s, Antigua………
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) is pleased to announce that sixteen (16) schools will participate in this year’s National Schools’ Panorama, a highlight of the nation’s 44th Independence celebrations.
The ABFC extends heartfelt appreciation to its valued sponsors, The Citizenship by Investment Unit, ACB Caribbean, and ICool, for their continued partnership and exemplary corporate citizen in support of the National Schools’ Panorama.
photo by Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission
“Continued investment in our youth and culture is crucial for the transference of our culture from generation to generation as we continue to produce Solid – Stable – Soaring. young men and women for tomorrow’s world,” stated Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries. And he also went on to say “Outlets such as Pan Yards provide our young people with safe spaces to thrive in a positive environment. I am a firm believer in these sorts of programs. Hence, the establishment of Pandemonium, a Pan group for my community, but this is not about me; it’s about challenging others to create and support outlets like these for our youth.”
photo by Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission
Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, expressed enthusiasm and gratitude: “We are immensely grateful to all our exceptional corporate sponsors. Their dedication, investment, and support in developing our young people and preserving our cultural heritage are truly praiseworthy. I am especially excited to note the growing number of participating schools this year, so much so that we’ve outgrown the Antigua Port Authority parking lot and are returning to the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium due to overwhelming participation! I am delighted to welcome newcomers like Bendals Primary, Irene B. Williams Secondary, and Sir Novelle Richards Academy to this year’s competition.”
Last year’s champions, Greenbay Primary School and Antigua Grammar School, will return to defend their titles at the 2025 National Schools’ Panorama. This year’s competition promises to be dynamic showcasing creativity and musical mastery from both students and arrangers.
2025 Participating Schools
Primary Schools:
| Order | School | Tune of Choice | Arranger |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bendals Primary School | Swinging Engine | Derel Jarvis |
| 2 | T.N. Kirnon Primary School | Nice and Slow | Devonson David |
| 3 | Sunnyside Tutorial | Something Got a Hold on Me | Sahyen Smith |
| 4 | Villa Primary School | ID – Stamp Your Name | Jonathon Mills |
| 5 | Nelvie Gore Primary School (Willikies) | Daughter Come | Geeve “CC” Cochrane |
| 6 | Green Bay Primary School | Good Times | Orel Peters & Canaan Russell |
Secondary Schools:
| Order | School | Tune of Choice | Arranger |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Anthony’s Secondary School | A+ Wine | Lorenzo Hodge |
| 2 | St. Joseph’s Academy | Mental Day | Jawan Henry |
| 3 | Ottos Comprehensive School | Time Ah We Life | Mikela Simmons |
| 4 | All Saints Secondary School | Out Deh | Kenwah James |
| 5 | Irene B. Williams Secondary | Dear Carnival | Calique Thomas |
| 6 | Princess Margaret School | Cape | Kareem King |
| 7 | Antigua Grammar School | ID – Stamp Yuh Name | Aubrey “Lacu” Samuel |
| 8 | Clare Hall Secondary School | Cape | Danny Hosier |
| 9 | Sir Novelle Richards Academy | Stampede | Robin Margetson |
| 10 | Christ the King High School | Out Deh | Maurisha Potter |
photo by Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission
The 44th Independence National Schools’ Panorama will take place on Saturday, October 25th, 2025, starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium with gate sale tickets only: Adults: $25 and Children, twelve years and up: $10. This is a true family event, come out, rep your school, and support our youth as they bring the steel pan alive in the spirit of Solid – Stable – Soaring!
Let’s go Vila primary
Nothing like seeing schools battle it out in Panorama. Good luck to all the students