MYSCH Christmas Event Brings Seasonal Cheer

The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage’s (MSYCH) Cayman Christmas: A Celebration of Culture & Music event capped a year of family-friendly activities and generous competition that saw young and old vying for the title of “Best Choir” in Cayman.

“A Celebration of Culture & Music will be an annual event and is a modern interpretation of the Cayman traditions of choirs, gift-giving, community entertainment and togetherness during the holiday season,” said Hon. Bernie Bush, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage, in his opening remarks.

With so many other events at this busy time of year, we are particularly pleased that so many people and families attended not only from West Bay but other districts. Our goal is to take this initiative to each district in turn,” he added.

The event on Wednesday, 14 December at West Bay Heritage Park featured both choirs and singing groups. Those competing were Red Bay Primary School Choir, Joanna Clarke Primary School Choir, PAUZE Entertainment, and Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church and Friends. Each choir and group sang three songs that fell in the categories of Christmas or praise and worship songs.

Emceed by local entertainer Jevaughnie Ebanks and Big Fish 95.5FM presenter Pam Norton, performers entertained the crowds spreading seasonal cheer with their winning performances. Judged on diction, stage presence, originality in presentation, and rhythmic accuracy, each vied for a year’s bragging rights and the first-place prize of $3,000.

With the judging complete, MYSCH’s Chief Officer Teresa Echenique made the following cheque presentations: Red Bay Primary School - 287 points (1st), PAUZE Entertainment – 246 points, and Joanna Clarke Primary School – 239 points (3rd).

Cayman Christmas also showcased local vendors with a wide selection of Christmas presents, stocking stuffers and produce including local books, succulents, jewelry, pottery, paintings, traditional gigs and conch shell art, fresh vegetables and clothing. Hot Caymanian dishes and delicacies like turtle stew, conch stew, and Cayman–style beef were an added bonus and a showing of our cultural traditions during the holiday season.

Additional entertainment featured face painting, bouncy castles, cotton candy, and fresh popcorn for children; the event closed out with a firework display.