2005 Press Releases

Dr. Roy L. Austin, U.S. Ambassador
Information Resource Center
United States Embassy

Good morning!  I am pleased to be here with you today to launch the 2006 Ambassador’s Song and Verse contest, the fourth edition of this event. In addition, we shall formally deliver to the Ministry of Education some of the books containing a collection of the literary efforts of the contestants in the first of these competitions. The Ministry will  pass these books to schools in this country, trying to ensure that schools which participated obtain at least one copy. 

As many of you know, I am a firm believer in the inherent power of indigenous lyrical expressions embodying clear messages to create positive change in people’s lives.  I also believe that young people, with their energy and enthusiasm, have enormous potential to influence their societies.  The Ambassador’s Song and Verse contest empowers young people by channeling their creative energies to effect desirable change in society.   

Through cooperation between the Ministry of Education and the United States Embassy, the youth of Trinidad and Tobago have, over the last three years, been inspired to perform songs and verses aimed at improving their society.  They have sung calypsoes to raise awareness about the harms of substance abuse, rapped to help combat crime, and performed monologues to raise their country’s awareness of the ruinous stigma directed at persons living with HIV/AIDS. 

They have made a difference in their communities and in the lives of their peers; and this year, together, we will continue our mission to help build a better Trinidad and Tobago. 

In 2006, the youth of Trinidad will be delivering messages on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, with the theme:  “Live Smart – Know Before You Start.”  Minister Manning and I believe it is important to return to an HIV/AIDS theme in this Contest due to the continuing danger presented by this virus which continues to take the lives of thousands worldwide and remains a great threat in the Caribbean region.

According to the Pan American Health Organization, a cumulative total of more than 1.5 million cases of AIDS have been reported in the Americas, including 30,690 children under 15 years of age. Since 1986, 771,680 people in the Americas have died as a result of AIDS, and according to PAHO statistics, the epidemic is spreading. 

In Trinidad and Tobago, National Surveillance Unit statistics show that there were 3388 AIDS deaths between 1983 and 2005; and currently 70 percent of HIV/AIDS infections occur in the 15-49 year old age group.  In the 15-24 year-old age group, 70 percent of new infections occur in females.  These figures suggest the importance of the 2006 Song and Verse theme.     

We believe the best way to combat the spread of this disease is to educate our youth on the dangers of reckless sexual behavior and to teach positive methods to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.  We also believe that young people are excellent messengers on themes such as this one. 

The rules of the contest are simple.  Students may perform their presentation 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 these song formats are  indigenous to this country.  They, therefore, 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 the Grandstand at the Queen’s Park Savannah.  The National Finals are tentatively carded for February 14, with the districts to take place in the two weeks prior to that.  However, it is important to note that everyone who participates in this contest is a winner.  

I thank all of the members of the media who have joined us 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.  As we try to make a difference for the citizens of this country, you can help us by showcasing the message and talents of T&T’s concerned, caring, and creative youth.  I look forward to seeing all of you at the district competitions and national finals of the 2006 event.  

Before I conclude my remarks, I must express my deep gratitude to Senator the Honorable Hazel Manning, Minister of Education, 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 three years, it has been my distinct pleasure to work with all of you on this important and exciting project.  Without your commitment, energy and knowledge, our accomplishments would have been much more limited.  I look forward to working with you on this year’s program, “Live Smart – Know Before You Start”, and thank you in advance for your hard work and dedication.

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 three.  Thank you for your time and attention.