2007 Speeches

January 30, 2007

Launch of 2007 Ambassador's Song and Verse Contest

"Don't Get Caught in the Web: Protect Intellectual Property Rights"

Dr. Roy L. Austin
United States Ambassador
National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS)

Senator, the Honorable Christine Kangaloo
Senator, the Honorable Hazel Manning
Other members of the Ministries of Education and of Legal Affairs
Other distinguished ladies and gentlemen
Members of the Media

Good morning!  I am pleased to be here with you today to launch the 2007 Ambassador’s Song and Verse contest, the fifth edition of this event.  You may realize by now that 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, students in Trinidad and Tobago have, over the last four 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, performed socas on HIV/AIDS prevention, and delivered monologues to raise their country’s awareness of the ruinous stigma directed at persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Thus, this nation’s students 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.

The theme of this year’s contest is “Don't Get Caught In the Web – Protect Intellectual Property Rights.”  Minister Manning, Minister Kangaloo and I believe that this theme is important because we recognize that protecting intellectual property is crucial for the economic, cultural and societal development and well-being of any country.  The expressed creations of the human mind constitute intellectual property.  These creations include music, books, medicines, technological inventions and most of the items we use every day.  By ensuring that creators and inventors have the same rights to own and protect their creations as do owners of physical property, societies create a culture of innovation that will help them advance.  That's why laws are in place to protect these rights; and in Trinidad and Tobago, as in many other countries, violating these laws by stealing intellectual property, also called intellectual piracy, is a crime.

When the rights of the inventor to own his or her own creation is not protected, whole societies suffer.  The artistes present today can speak eloquently about how music piracy has hurt their lives and the artistic development of Trinidad and Tobago (artists' attendance TBD).  Companies won't invest or innovate in countries where their ideas can be stolen easily.  Meanwhile, counterfeit goods such as medicines, car parts or appliances can be a hazard for any person who uses them. Counterfeiters have no concern for the health or safety of their consumers and follow no product safety guidelines; their bottom line is making money.

When there is a lot of money to be made in counterfeiting and piracy of other people's creations, these activities will attract the serious criminal elements in society, from local gangs to transnational crime organizations.  The money gained enables drug traffickers and gun runners. The drugs befuddle your minds and the guns kill and maim. And so I urge the youth of this country to steer clear of this web of dishonesty and destructive influences.  Encourage your peers and the rest of the populace to “Protect Intellectual Property" in order to protect other members of the society.

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 rhythmic expressions 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 Jean Pierre Stadium.  It is important to note, though, that everyone that 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 2007 event.

Before I conclude my remarks, I must express my deep gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Education, Mrs. Hazel Manning, 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 four years, it has been my distinct pleasure to work with all of you on this important and exciting project.

Additionally, I express my appreciation to Senator, the Honorable Christine Kangaloo, Minister of Legal Affairs, and the committed members of that Ministry,  especially those in the Intellectual Property Office.  Their energetic and tireless efforts promoting intellectual property rights in Trinidad and Tobago are a model for us all.  I look forward to working with you on this year’s program, “Don't Get Caught In the Web – Protect Intellectual Property Rights;” and thanks 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 four. I  thank you for your time and attention.