‘Antigua’s Got Talent’ returns this year, with bigger and better competition, to raise funds for PAAWS animal shelter

The organisers of “Antigua’s Got Talent” are putting plans in place to host the event this year, with the aim of raising vital funds for dogs and cats in need through PAAWS.

Therefore, the talent search has begun, and a call is going out for persons – rising stars and undiscovered talents – to sign up and take part in the event, which was last held in 2019.

According to the organisers, the contest is open to all non-professional performers aged 16 years and over, and registration is open through telephone or WhatsApp via 789-2662.

The winner will receive a Samsung Galaxy S22, plus six months’ mobile service, courtesy of headline sponsor FLOW.  There are also prizes for the first- and second-placed competitors.

The August 2019 inaugural edition of the contest was also held in aid of the PAAWS animal shelter and was described as a huge success.  Singer Ajanae Bleau took home the crown with her performance of “Never Enough.”

That event saw 28 performers take to the stage and raised almost EC$9,000 for the animal shelter.

Gemma Handy, PAAWS’ Public Relations Officer, says they are excited to be organising the competition once again, although the COVID-19 pandemic has made its staging a little later than planned.

“‘Antigua’s Got Talent’ is a fun event with a serious mission,” Handy says.  She notes that, during the pandemic, the shelter received an influx of animals while the donations it relies on to survive plummeted.

Therefore, the more money the organization raises, “the more animals” it can help, which, in turn, is good for tourism too, Handy says.

Accordingly, she encourages persons with a special talent, “whatever it is,” to sign up for the competition, which carries a registration fee of $20.

The contestants are not the only ones who will receive prizes on the night of the event; a raffle offering everything, from staycations to luxury dinners, will also be drawn, Handy says.

The second edition of “Antigua’s Got Talent” will take place at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, at Lucky Eddi’s in English Harbour, and it promises to be even bigger and better than the first, according to Handy.

She promises that the venue will be spectacular, complete with professional stage and lighting; a PA system; and backing musicians, if needed.  A panel of four celebrity judges will judge the competition.

General entry is $10, and all proceeds will go directly to PAAWS,

a registered friendly society, which has housed neglected, abused, injured and abandoned dogs and cats since 1996.