Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School has made history by winning the first ever National Schools Panorama Competition in Saint Lucia, an event that brought together young steel pan talent from across the island in a celebration of culture during Junior Lucian Carnival.
The competition, held on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at Mindoo Phillip Park in Castries, featured seven bands representing ten schools. It formed part of the Lucian Junior Carnival calendar and was designed to support and sustain the island’s rich steel pan tradition among the younger generation.
One of the band’s main members, Jonathan Howell, reflected on the journey to victory, noting that while preparations were not easy, the group remained determined throughout.
“It felt amazing; I had utmost faith in my players,” Howell said. “I knew we could have done it from the start.”
Howell explained that the process came with its share of challenges, particularly as some members were new to the experience. “It was difficult, because some players were new; it was their first time actually preparing for something like this,” he said.
Despite this, the band stayed committed and worked through the obstacles together. “Although it was difficult, we pulled through, and we got the win,” Howell stated. He also shared the team’s ambition following their success, saying, “For the road ahead, [the aim] is to get first place again.”
Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School secured second place in the competition, delivering a strong performance that earned high praise. Corinth Secondary School followed in third position, while fourth place went to a combined effort from Canaries Primary School and Soufrière Secondary School.
Other participating schools included Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, Laborie Boys and Girls Primary School, Dennery Primary and Secondary Schools. Each band contributed to a vibrant showcase of rhythm, creativity and discipline, highlighting the depth of young musical talent across Saint Lucia.
