2004 Speeches

2005 Ambassador's Song and Verse Contest
- Official Launch

December 3, 2004

Dr. Roy L. Austin
United States Ambassador
“Substance Abuse – You Use, You Lose”

Good morning! I am pleased to be here with you today to launch the third annual Ambassador’s Song and Verse contest. 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, the youth of Trinidad and Tobago have, over the last two years, been inspired to perform songs and verses aimed at improving their society. They have helped to combat crime and 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.

The theme of this year’s contest is “Substance Abuse – You Use, You Lose.” Minister Manning and I believe that this theme is important because we recognize the devastating effect of illegal drugs on individuals and societies. Therefore, you may find it understandable that many governments have criminalized amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms and other drugs. Note, too, that our meaning of “use” is not limited to ingestion into the body.

Many people use drugs for financial gain by trafficking in them. And how do you lose? For individuals, abuse of illegal drugs may result in commission of serious violent and property crimes, contracting of sexually transmitted diseases, vehicular accidents, death from an overdose, poverty, unemployment, and decreased productivity.

On the societal level, drug money is associated with transnational organized crime, corruption of governments and the financing of civil wars and terrorism. And so I plead with the youth of Trinidad and Tobago: “Take up this challenge;” and tell your peers and indeed the entire populace that when “You Use, You Lose.” Your families and your country lose, too.

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. These song formats are all 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 at the district level, with regional winners having the chance to compete for first prize on the Grandstand at the Queen’s Park Savannah. It is important to note, though, that everyone that participates in this contest is a winner.

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 two 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, “You Use, You Lose”, 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 two.

Thank you for your time and attention.