Peetron Thomas Urges Government Leaders to Revive School Choir Competitions for Antigua and Barbuda’s Youth
By Lorena Jacobs
In an urgent call to action, Peetron Thomas, a respected local singer and cultural advocate, is imploring the government of Antigua and Barbuda to revive the long-dormant school choir competitions. In a recent Facebook post addressed to Khan Cordice (Director of Culture), Elizabeth Makhoul (Chair of the Festival Commission), and Hon. Daryll S. Matthew (Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries), Thomas stressed the immediate need to reinstate these competitions for primary, secondary, and older students. “I would really, really love to see the school choir competition start back up for both primary and secondary levels,” Thomas declared. “My passion for singing was ignited through initiatives like these. I remember singing in the school choir from kindergarten to grade six and competing; it was truly something that shaped me into the versatile and eloquent singer I am today.”
A Critical Cultural Revival:
Thomas highlighted how such competitions were instrumental in his own musical journey, noting that they provided an essential platform for personal growth, discipline, and cultural engagement. He stressed that this is more than just a nostalgic plea—it’s a necessity for today’s youth, who are in dire need of creative outlets that inspire them to channel their energy into positive activities. “Bringing back the school choir competition is vital to preserving the educational and cultural landscape within our schools,” Thomas stated. “It’s not just about singing; it’s about building a sense of unity, teamwork, and pride. These competitions created opportunities for young people to develop invaluable life skills.”
A Vital Step to Engage the Youth:
The urgency behind Thomas’s appeal cannot be overstated. In today’s fast-changing world, initiatives like school choirs play a pivotal role in keeping young people engaged and on the right path. Without such programs, many students could be left without a sense of direction or purpose, increasing the risk of being drawn into negative activities. “These competitions kept us focused, engaged, and out of trouble,” Thomas continued. “If we don’t give our youth something productive to do, they might easily find themselves caught up in the wrong things. We need this now more than ever.”
A Plea for Immediate Action:
Thomas not only called on government leaders to bring back these choir competitions but also offered his full support in helping to organize and promote them. His readiness to assist underscores the urgency of his request and shows his dedication to ensuring the next generation has the same opportunities for cultural development and personal growth. “When you all are ready to put things together, I am completely willing to assist in this process,” Thomas offered. “I’m ready and looking forward to this.”
A Cultural and Educational Necessity:
This is not merely about reviving an old tradition—it’s about safeguarding the future of the nation’s youth. Without proactive steps like these, the country risks losing an essential tool that keeps students engaged in positive pursuits, both in education and the arts. The time to act is now, before more opportunities are lost. This plea to revive the choir competition stands as a bold call to all involved government leaders to prioritize the cultural and social well-being of the nation’s youth.
Check out the TikTok video shared in Thomas’s post here: [Link to TikTok](https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhM2rtyC/)
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