There were performances by the versatile Junior Steel band, led by their dedicated tutor, Director of Culture and former teacher Herman “Cupid” Francis. Another young group was the Emerald Shamioles, Montserrat’s junior masquerades. A traditional, lively and colourful aspect of Montserrat’s culture, masquerades feature brightly coloured costumes, tall head-gear, masks and whips, and perform traditional steps to the sound of “fife” and drums. This young group is helping to keep the historic tradition alive.

Also featured in the Expo were Pat “Belonger” Ryan and her guests from Guadeloupe Aubert and Sony Tancons, who performed in song and poetry, using guitar and saxophone together with African calabash percussion instruments shak-shak and water drums. “Belonger”  sang “Calabash”, a song she wrote for the Junior Calypso Competition, which she helps to organize during St Patrick’s Week every year. 

“Voices” choral group performed with the verve and attention to detail for which they are famed, starting with “Gimme me soup ‘na one calabash”. The group performed these songs, accompanied by actions, around a pot of soup “cooking” on a traditional coal pot, with a calabash bowl for each singer.

Dance Excel, a keen young dance group taught by dedicated and innovative teacher Natalie Allen, gave a lively performance to the traditional market song “Bring your money and come”, and there were calypsoes and other songs to wrap up the evening.

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda the Right Hon Baldwin Spencer expressed his pleasure at being at the Expo and praised the performers, especially the choral group Voices. “I have been listening to them closely, and plan to invite them to Antigua’s independence celebrations”, he said.

Prime Minister Spencer also emphasized the close relationship between Antigua and Montserrat. “Montserrat’s construction workers helped to build our island”, he said, while promising continued cooperation and support to Montserrat. .