2009 Ambassador's Song and Verse Contest Launch

January 14, 2009

The United States Embassy in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Security announces the 2009 Ambassador’s Song and Verse Contest. In consideration of the declaration of the Fifth Summit of Americas to be hosted by the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the 7^th Annual Ambassador’s Song & Verse theme will be “The Role of Education in Promoting Prosperity and Controlling Crime.” To more effectively communicate this message to the youth of Trinidad and Tobago, this year’s competition will incorporate the Mighty Sparrow’s words of encouragement found in his song “Education is Essential.” Students will draw on this slogan, “To earn tomorrow you must learn today; and remember, crime does not pay!”

The competition will be launched by U.S. Ambassador Dr. Roy L. Austin and representatives of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Security on January 16, 2008 at 9 a.m. at the U.S. Information Resource Center, 7-9 Marli Street.

Trinidad and Tobago’s young people are invited to showcase their talents while keeping in mind the contest theme, inspired by the Mighty Sparrow's song “Education.” Contestants should deliver a message about education defeating crime and developing the nation.  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. 

School competitions will take place throughout the month of January.  Regional competitions,January 27-30, are a highlight of the contest with the winners of each region then competing for the national title.  The National Final will take place on February 17,  2009.

Winning performers at the District Finals will receive cash prizes as follows:

First place: $1000TT; second place: $600TT; third place: $300TT. 

At the National Final , the top performers will receive: First place: $5000TT; second place: $3000TT; third place: $2000TT.  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 http://trinidad.usembassy.gov/2009_song_and_verse_rules/.

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, crime, and disaster preparedness.    Previous competitions also have highlighted cooperation between the U.S. Embassy and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Education.