Tobago
Good luck George
Ten-year-old D’Ashe Saul of Parlatuvier Anglican Primary School was at a loss for words when he was crowned winner of the inaugural Tobago Day Song Contest in the primary school category.
The competition, in two categories – secondary and primary – was organized by the THA Education, Research and Technology Division – Curriculum Planning and Development Unit in recognition of the assembly’s 42nd anniversary. It took place at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex last Friday.
The eight finalists – five representing the primary school level and three from secondary schools – had to perform a song that highlighted the positive aspects of Tobago’s culture and heritage.
Saul, wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a blue fedora hat, no stranger to the scene, told Newsday, “I wasn’t expecting it.”
“I feel—I can’t explain—so happy, so happy.”
His song Sweet Hand, written by renowned Tobago educator and 2021 national award recipient Dr Verleen Bobb-Lewis, scored 90 points.
It carried a message: “That Tobago has the sweetest hand of any island.”
The standard five student said: “It was challenging – it took me an hour and a half to learn it.”
Last month, Saul won the title of Tobago’s new carnival monarch.
In second place was Brielle Baldeo of Scarborough Methodist Primary School. Daniah Mohammed settled for third place.
In the high school category, Scarborough Secondary student Nataki Thompson won with 88 points.
She said: “I feel good. I am very happy; I am very proud and grateful for this opportunity.”
Her song, Celebrate Tobago, was written by her music teacher at school, Marina Marfan.
“My song basically says we should just celebrate Tobago, appreciate it – it’s just about appreciating Tobago.
“It took me about two weeks to learn. It was very challenging at first, but I got used to it and performed it to the best of my ability.”
In second place was Olu Holder, also of Scarborough High School, with Clorysa Gill of Signal Hill Secondary taking third place.
Judges were LesleyAnn Ellis, Eric Powder and Jeremiah Combie.
THA Divisional Secretary, Assemblywoman Zorisha Hackett, congratulating the students, said that everyone should be congratulated.
She said the division is committed to providing students with opportunities that lead to their holistic growth and development.
“Expressing ourselves in song has been part of who we have been for centuries, and I must again congratulate you students for taking on the challenge.”
She described numerous career opportunities in music and the performing arts.
“Opportunities exist across the value chain, from production, directing, songwriting, to actual performance and even in related industries such as music equipment manufacturing. Students, therefore, I encourage those of you with talent and interest in this field to pursue them relentlessly.”
Listing performers such as Calypso Rose, Mighty Shadow, Lord Nelson, Adana Roberts and Shurwayne Winchester, she noted: “Our history as an island is filled with personalities who have left their mark on these areas and continue to reap great benefits for their contributions . “
