2008 Press Releases

January 8, 2009

Dr. Roy L. Austin, U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago

2008 Ambassasdor's Song and Verse Contest Launch

Disaster Preparedness Begins with You.  Get Ready.  Better Ready Than Sorry.”

Amb. Austin, Min. LeGendre and Mr. Paul Saunders.  Full Size

Senator, The Honorable Esther LeGendre
Senator, The Honorable Martin Joseph
Other members of the Ministries of Education and of National Security
Other distinguished ladies and gentlemen
Members of the media
And an especially warm welcome to our student representatives

Good morning!  I am happy to be here to launch the 2008 Ambassador’s Song and Verse Contest, the sixth edition of this event.  As in the previous contests, the theme is important to you, the young people of Trinidad and Tobago, and to young people the world over.  Our young competitors will bring you messages aimed at making everyone know how important it is to be ready when disaster strikes.  This year’s theme, “Disaster Preparedness Begins with You.  Get Ready.  Better Ready Than Sorry,” will raise awareness nationwide.

You all know that I firmly believe a nation should use its strengths to best advantage.  Trinidad and Tobago has a long and proud history of using music and the spoken word to point out social injustice, educate audiences, warn of danger and celebrate victory.  The Ambassador’s Song and Verse Contest adapts this tradition to allow young people to express their ideas on a chosen theme.  T&T students, with their energy and fresh ways of seeing the world, have great potential to change their society.  The contest empowers these young people by channeling their creativity in a positive and unforgettable way, a way that educates and entertains us.

Over the past five years, students have been inspired to perform songs and verses aimed at improving their society.  They have sung calypsos to raise awareness about drug abuse; rapped to help combat crime; performed socas on HIV/AIDS prevention, and created chutney numbers to publicize the rights of artists and inventors. Their ground-breaking verses on stigma and discrimination touched our hearts; their choral performances touched our consciences and made us look at our behavior in new ways. Trinidad and Tobago’s students have made a tremendous difference in their communities and in the lives of their peers.  This year, together, we will continue our mission to help create a safer Trinidad and Tobago.

I must thank the many individuals and groups working with the Embassy on this year’s contest: The Minister of Education, Esther LeGendre this year, and her staff work hard every year to make this contest possible, as do teachers and principals throughout the country.  The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) under the Ministry of National Security is a new and valuable partner this year.  Many of my U.S. Embassy colleagues treasure this yearly event and work hard to make it successful.  Then there is Nikki Crosby, whose high-energy MCing every year adds immensely to everyone’s enjoyment of the show.  Most of all I thank the kids who participate as competitors or as spectators cheering on their schoolmates, and their parents who provide encouragement and support. 

This year’s theme, disaster preparedness, is especially relevant for young people. They can lead by example to ensure that their families and communities are prepared in case of a natural or human-made disaster.  As we in the Caribbean know, disaster can strike suddenly and unexpectedly.  Though today’s technology means that warnings are far more accurate than before, many people fail to take advantage of advance notice, or they become complacent.  The belief that, “It can’t happen to me” is responsible for untold misery; many times, simple preparations and planning can mean the difference between life and death.  Knowing CPR, having a battery-powered radio, understanding procedures in the workplace in event of an earthquake, fire, or terrorist attack – these things are easy to overlook, yet so crucial should the unthinkable occur.

I’m happy to see so much energy and dedication devoted to this important topic, and especially pleased to see such close cooperation between the U.S. Embassy, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of National Security/ODPM.  Just as cooperation is necessary during an emergency – working with family members, co-workers, and neighbors to overcome danger – agencies and nations working together to prepare their citizens is essential. A burden shared is a burden made lighter, and we appreciate the invaluable support of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in organizing the 2008 Ambassador’s Song and Verse Contest.

Contest rules are simple.  Students can perform their presentations in verse as monologue, dramatic recitation, or choral speaking; or in song as a calypso, soca, raga soca, chutney, chutney soca, rapso or rap.  Almost all of these rhythmic expressions are indigenous to this country.  They serve as a celebration of Trinbagonian culture in addition to promoting positive social change.

Students will compete for prizes in the eight school districts, the first place winners at this level, moving on to national finals at Jean Pierre Stadium.  It is important to note, though, that everyone participating in the contest is a winner.

Thanks to all the members of the media who have joined us here today. I ask for your continued support in getting the message of the Song and Verse Contest out to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.  You can help us by showcasing the message and talents of T&T’s creative youth.  I look forward to seeing all of you at the district competitions and National Finals of the 2008 event.

I must express my deep appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Education, Esther Le Gendre, who shares with me a strong belief in the educational value of these Song and Verse contests.  I also thank the talented and dedicated members of the Ministry of Education and the Song and Verse coordinating committee.  Over the last five years, it has been my pleasure to work with all of you on this exciting project.

I also express my appreciation to Senator, The Honorable Martin Joseph, Minister of National Security, and the committed members of that Ministry, particularly those in the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management.  Their efforts in promoting preparedness in Trinidad and Tobago are  a model for us all.  I look forward to working with you on this year’s program, “Disaster Preparedness Begins with You.  Get Ready.  Better Ready Than Sorry.”

Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in supporting this important cause so that this year’s Song and Verse contest will be every bit as successful as the previous five.  I thank you for your time and attention.