The participants in the 2015 Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch Programme were recently treated to a deep sea dive aboard the Atlantis Submarine just before their return to school.

The Junior Calypso Monarch Programme is known for surpassing the basic tenets of a competition to include a developmental phase, which ensures that the youngsters who take part in this programme are supported in their pursuit of the big stage.

They take part in several workshops prior to the competition where the organisers, mentors and sponsors commit to nurturing them in all aspects of performance. This level of support and commitment is an essential way of preserving the art form and by extension our Barbadian culture, ensuring that the Juniors in turn can become young cultural ambassadors through music.

Atlantis Submarines awarded the Junior Monarchs in both categories passes for 4 to one of their submarine dives. They also arranged a complimentary dive, which took place on Friday September 4, for participants from the various stages of the programme. The trip gave the juniors a better insight into why our country’s marine life is a very important aspect of our culture, tourism and economy as we continue to promote our beaches, snorkeling and diving as major attractions and selling points. Of course, the submarine dive also offered an opportunity for this crop of Juniors to have an afternoon of fun.

Atlantis Submarines’ Reservations Manager Ms. Charlotte Moore was glad that they could bring smiles to the faces of these children after they worked so hard during the Crop Over season.

Now with the Junior Calypsonians having met with the beauty and serenity which exists beneath our beautiful blue waters, they too may want to sing its praises as they continue to promote Barbadian culture and heritage.