2007 Press Releases

December 21, 2007

United States Embassy Announces 2008 Ambassador's Song and Verse Contest

The United States Embassy, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), announces the 2008 Ambassador’s Song and Verse Contest, “Disaster Preparedness Begins with You.  Get Ready.  Better Ready Than Sorry.”  The contest will be officially launched on January 8, with school competitions to be held January 9-17.  Regional competitions, to take place January 18-24, are a highlight of the contest with the winners of each region then competing for the national title.  The National Finals will take place on January 29.

Young people of Trinidad and Tobago are invited to showcase their talents while delivering a message about the importance of being prepared when disaster strikes.  Primary and secondary school students can use a wide range of national cultural expression to deliver their message, including monologue, dramatic recitations, choral speaking, calypso, ragga soca, chutney, and rap. 

Winning performers at the District Finals will receive cash prizes as follows: First place: TT$1,000; second place: TT$600; third place: TT$300.

At the National Finals, the top performers will receive: First place: TT$5,000; second place: TT$3,000; third place: TT$2,000.  The school of the first-place winner at the National Finals will receive a computer from the U.S. Embassy; second and third place schools will receive educational materials.

Complete contest rules are available from primary and secondary schools and also and also by clicking here.

This year’s contest builds on the successes of the past five years; past themes have included HIV/AIDS, drug demand reduction, intellectual property rights, and crime.  Previous competitions also have highlighted cooperation between the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Education of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.