Establishing from his aspiration that he was “little but tallawah” Edward Buckley gave a consistently gargantuan performance throughout Tuesday’s Teen Splash competition. From 13 contestants he was not only adjudged the overall winner, but captured the interview and talent segment as well.

Echoing the comments of many patrons, the talented 13 all handled their interview segment with the confidence, poise, and intelligence that you’d expect from a pageant of more mature contenders. I applaud both the orchestrators of the questions and the contestants for their answers. One question was taken from the bio, while the second dealt with timely issues faced by teenagers – from distribution of condoms to bullying and thoughts of suicide among youths. Dealing with the increase in juvenile delinquency, Buckley suggested the increase of stronger consequences as a more effective deterrent, along with the implementation of a curfew at night – very ironic as the Teen Splash finished at 2:30 in the morning.

Beginning a bit slow, the talent segment picked up with crowd favourites Shannon Lawes of the Ottos Comprehensive, who thrilled the audience with Lionel Richie’s All Night Long on double tenor (steel pan). He was as entertaining to watch as he was to listen to. Shaonnon was also awarded the Prime Minister’s Leadership Skills award.

Both Latisha Browne (Clare Hall Secondary School) and Aaliyah Thomas (Christ the King High School) took their audience down an emotional road, dealing with HIV/AIDS and remembering the victims of Haiti, respectively.

Lightening up the dramatic presentation was Jennings Secondary School’s Dyllan Stoute with a comical portrayal of an ignorant LIME customer. Dressed as a satirical “The Artist formerly Known as Prince” in purple, his underlying message was to get an education.

But it was Edward Buckley with his skills on the piano, moving effortlessly and masterfully through a difficult classical piece into CP’s Still Jammin that impressed the judges the most.

While the research segment undeniably educates both the contestant and audience, deepening the historical and cultural appreciation of Antigua and Barbuda, this segment remains a taxing one, as the presentations become mundane after a while, and with 13 contestants, lengthens the show considerably. I suggest making this a pre-judged segment that could be aired on ABS TV. Taking a different take on events, however, and keeping in theme with her aspiration of being a actress, Aaliyah Thomas “introduced” her hidden gem, the preserved windmill in New Winthorpes, also suggesting it be restored with modern technologies to employ wind power. Thomas was also announced the first runner-up.

Winning the aspiration segment was Zecare Thomas from the Antigua Girls’ High School, who wishes to be a fashion designer and ambassador one day. Another consistent front runner, she was awarded the second runner-up and most photogenic.

Kudos to all the contestants who made the evening entertaining and to the committee as well who created a show that was phenomenal in presentation. Both opening and closing numbers were highly entertaining, and daring, incorporating fire dancers into the routine. I would even add that the queen committee could take a few notes here.

The night was indeed an evening dedicated to the young, from contestants to entertainment, with performances from New Alpha, Rashid Walker, Mime Style,  Jon Whyte and Trevorlyn Shepherd-Green, Tian Winter and a dynamic performance from Tizzy and the El-A-Kru.

D’Andra Williams from Island Academy tied with Michelle Francis of Jennings Secondary School for the most improved award, while Keva Dean from the Ottos Comprehensive was award the most congenial. Also debuting and shining on stage were Tricia Edwards from St. Anthony’s Secondary School; Malicia Hurst of the All Saints Secondary School; T’Mira Mourillon from the Princess Margaret School; and Zila Simmons from the Pares Secondary School.

See the evening in pictures; click the link below.