Spoken Word poetry and competition continue to increase in popularity, and participants are coming from all different ages and backgrounds. This year, the first ever Republic Bank National Primary School Spoken Word Showcase, presented in conjunction with the Two Cents Movement, saw 14 students from 11 schools showing off their skills.
The competition took place at the Central Bank Auditorium on June 27. The students, aged nine to 11, had participated in a specially designed and targeted spoken word workshop over five consecutive Sundays with leading spoken word artists, Idrees Saleem and Derron Sandy, who also hosted the program.
Most of the children spoke on serious topics such as abuse and violence. All participants were cheered on by students and teachers from their respective schools.
Haylee Francois, from Marabella Girls Anglican, pleaded with people, men, women and children, to stop abusing each other, whether physically, verbally, emotionally, sexually or otherwise. Zafiyah Miller of Arima Centenary Primary School told bullies to stay away from her, or she would hurt their feelings too. Renee Roopan, from Arouca Anglican Primary School, took the audience into her dreams as she talked about exploring a shower of beautiful white rain.
Ameriah Francois, of Arouca Anglican Primary School, asked the audience and the people of T&T to be kind, because it is the right thing to do. Kurnisha Plowden from Atwell's Educational Institute sent chills down the spine of the audience as she related a nightmare of waiting for jumbies to kill her in the night. Jannah Marie Mohammed, of Curepe AC Primary School, said there was no valid excuse for abuse and pleaded with everyone to help stop it.
Danielle Suite, also of Atwell's Educational Institute, said she was put here to encourage those around her to believe that they can make a difference and to follow their dreams, regardless of those who may discourage them. Malikah Miller, also from Arima Centenary Primary School and Zafiyah's sister, had the audience laughing as she talked about not wanting to doing laundry.
The first of three boys in the competition, Ronaldo Spencer of St Pius Government Primary, asked adults to listen to him and take him seriously when he spoke, even though he was small, because the negativity around him affected him too. Ryan Lucas from St Dominic's RC said he was unstoppable and unconquerable, and he wanted those around him to feel they are something good.
Mariah Francois of Macauley Government Primary School asked, “What is it with you and crime?” She said if everyone took a stand and worked as a team, they could stop crime. T'Shara Haynes from St Mary's Mucurapo Girls' RC school pleaded musicians to think about the messages they are sending with their music, because it was meant to uplift, but is often reckless and relentless.
Tianna Joseph of La Horquetta North Government Primary School asked what bullies gain by causing their victims pain and encouraged the audience to join her in saying that bullying should stop today. Shem Quashie from Marabella Boys Anglican called on gunmen to “slow their roll” and on youngsters to stop using drugs.
Saleem and Sandy said the purpose of the Inspire Tour by the Two Cents Movement was stepping out and letting people know that every single citizen has a valuable contribution to make to T&T. They said poets have a responsibility to bring positive messages.
After deliberation by judges Arielle John, Ariana Herbert and Mtima Solwazi, Danielle Suite, T'Shara Haynes and Ronaldo Spencer were chosen as third, second and first respectively. As winner of the competition, Spencer received a luxury Cross pen and journal, as well as the opportunity to make a spoken word video as well as perform at the upcoming Cascadoo Caribbean New Voices International Festival of Spoken Word.
He also will get a year long mentorship with the Two Cents Movement and will become a Primary School Spoken Word Ambassador.
Spencer said everyone's piece was great in its own way. “It was a good feeling to be a winner of this, first time I'm actually doing it and I came to win and it was fantastic and a big surprise.”