My experience at the St Ann’s East Poetry Slam Competition

By Malia Williams

Maracas RC Primary School

On Wednesday, June 14, the two Standard Four classes of Maracas RC Primary School, accompanied by their class teachers, Ms O’Brien, and Ms Nero, attended a field trip to the National Library and Information Systems Authority to participate in the 7th Annual Poetry Slam Competition.

Our classmate Jayden Sinanan represented the school in the 10–12 age category.

At  8.25 a.m., 20 students assembled at the front of the principal’s office where she informed us about our behaviour that is expected on the trip and prayed for everyone to be safe, protected, and successful.

We disembarked the maxi-taxi and assembled at the front entrance of the National Library and Information Systems Authority building at 9.15 a.m.

We entered the building and were greeted by a female assistant who instructed us to enter the library. Subsequently, the female assistant showed us our seating area. We all sat and waited for the competition to commence.

A male assistant instructed us to stand for the National Anthem of Trinidad and Tobago and prayed to begin the day’s proceedings. He then introduced the judges as Mr Jerron Ruse, Spoken Word artiste of three years and teacher at The Roots Foundation; historian Ms Terri-ann Alcala and librarian Ms Shara Seenath.

The rules of the competition were read by Ms Seenath after which the first competitor was invited to the stage. She introduced herself as Emily Eliott and performed on the topic ‘It’s Time for Prosperity’. Approximately seven students performed in the 7-9 age category.

Afterwards, we had a short intermission then the first competitor from the 10–12 category was introduced. Nine students participated in the 10–12 category including Jayden.

At the end of the performances, the Minister of Education and the Member of Parliament for St Ann’s East,  Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly entered the stage, apologised for her late appearance, and requested to view the top performances when revealed.

Ms Seenath announced the third place from the 7–9 category went to Kayla-Marie Davis of Santa Cruz Presbyterian; second place was Anaya of San Juan Seventh Day Adventist Primary School, while the first-place winner was Tyesha Rocke.

The 10–12 winners were then announced with third place going to Kaleb San of San Juan Presbyterian, second place went to Aaliyah Eustace of La Pastora Government while Maya Caruth emerged victorious in this category.

Jayden Sinanan of Maracas RC Primary was awarded a special prize for his performance. The event culminated with  picture taking.

Dr Gadsby-Dolly approached our school and questioned us about the event, offered congratulations and encouraged us to enter a lot more next year with a lot more participants.