The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) held its fourth annual Eco-Song Competition at the Naparima Bowl on November 21. Couva West Secondary School emerged victorious in both the forms one to three and forms four to six categories. The competition was hailed another successful collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and the Environment, the Ministry of Education and the Forestry Division.
This EMA event brought to life the topic of the United Nations (UN) designated theme for 2011, Forests for People. The EMA also used the opportunity to award the winners of its first National Film Festival, which focused on '360 degrees On All Things Forest' in commemoration on the International Year of Forests (IYF).
Walking away with the first place trophy, in category one (forms one to three) was Tenique Beckles. Her soca rendition of Once, Twice, Trees had the crowd on its feet with her emotional appeal to conserve the forests. Second time was a charm for returning Eco-Song contestant Anthony Batson, a favourite from last year's competition. Dressed in a traditional dhoti and pagri (turban), Batson belted out a harmonious chutney soca tribute to forests entitled, Benefits of Trees. His message that forests are vital won him first place in category two (forms four to six).
In category one of the Eco-Song finals, a young but confident Reshawn Goodridge of St Mary's College copped second place with his upbeat calypso, Protect the Environment. Winner of last year's competition, Jerrisha Regis of St James Secondary School, placed third with her forceful calypso entitled State Of Emergency (SOE).
The chutney genre reigned in category two, as Mithoon Hardeo of Iere High School won second place with his pulsating and rhythmic performance of Doh Be A Fool. In third place was Whitney Sooklalsingh, one of two finalists hailing from ASJA Girls' College, Charlieville. Sooklalsingh, who was accompanied by live drums and steel pan, delivered a crowd-pleasing calypso entitled A Simple Tree.
According to the EMA's managing director/CEO, Dr Joth Singh, "The intent of all EMA education programmes is to encourage people to think critically about the environment in the specific context of Trinidad and Tobago. We cater for people with diverse interests-from creative arts to academics. We focus heavily on the young people because we see them as the catalysts for change."
Dr Singh also pointed out that the EMA translates this youth focus into a financial investment to ensure that they have the tools to become leaders in the environment in T&T. He assured the student audience that their journey with the EMA did not end there.
"The EMA will be promoting the work of these young aspiring singers/songwriters via an Eco-Song CD to be played on the airwaves and at EMA events. He also encouraged the young audience to keep their minds open to learning new things."Never stop learning," he said, "A good activist is not the one who speaks the loudest, but the one who knows the issues and can encourage decision-makers to make positive environmental decisions through dialogue and collaboration."
Chairman of the EMA, Kelvin Ramnath, also commended the finalists for their role as educators by using cleverly crafted musical messages. He applauded the Eco-Song competition for exposing students to environmental messages while encouraging positive environmental attitudes. "Environmental education is one of the most important mandates of the EMA, and we are committed at the authority to ensuring that this education is translated into action."
(Courtesy the Environmental Management Authority)
