In an effort to reinforce youth participation in rejuvenating the culture of the Virgin Islands, the Social Development Department is hosting the Clash of the Carolers: School Choir Christmas Sing Out.

Community Development Officer, Mrs. Desiree Flaunders-Harrigan stated, “This year's Clash of the Carolers is not a competition as was in previous years; it will be a School Choir Christmas Sing Out. The decision was made to highlight the younger generation through the primary school choirs, both public and private, which will also reinforce participation from the younger generation.”

The Clash of Carolers will take place on Sunday, December 7 at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall beginning at 3:00 p.m. where 11 schools will gather to sing local Christmas caroling songs.

“The Social Development Department will also reward all the schools with monetary rewards for participating,” Mrs. Flaunders-Harrigan added.

Other entertainment during the programme will include poetry by Ms. Janice Stoutt, and special entertainment by the Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Long Trench Sisters, M.A.L.E. Mentoring Group, and Her Majesty's Prison Band.

Caroling is a Virgin Islands tradition in which groups of people go from house to house singing traditional or contemporary Christmas carols.

For more information on the Clash of the Carolers, contact the Social Development Department at 468-3650.

The Social Development Department is the lead agency charged with promoting the social well-being of the Territory's residents.