Goodwill Messengers CD Launch

BACK LEFT: Johnny King, Karene Ashe, His Excellency Dr. Roy L. Austin,
Winston ‘Explainer’ Henry and Sean Daniel. FRONT LEFT: Alvin Daniel,
Hugh L. Howard and Eric Butler.

TriniSoca.com Staff Article
Event Date: December 05, 2006
Posted: December 07, 2006

The launch of CD “Goodwill Ambassadors of the Red, White and Black” took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.

The secretary of the Endowment of National Advancement through Indigenous Songs (ENAIS), Mr. Gerard Jackson welcomed all to the launch of this CD, the first of its kind to be produced by the organization.

Brother Laurence Coward then shared the opening prayer and prayed for humanity as well as for the artistes present.

The Chairman of the (ENAIS), Mr. Hugh L. Howard, was the first speaker to address the launch . According to the Chairman, the musical compilation was created to showcase the contribution of some of the country’s top artistes in promoting positivity through their music. In his speech, he recognized the financial contributions of corporate donors such as BHP Billiton, BPTT and PCS Nitrogen.

Mr. Howard also mentioned some of the objectives of the ENAIS which include the promotion, fostering, development and advancement of projects of a cultural and sociological nature.

He ended by re-affirming his belief that this initiative has great potential for the benefit of our people, especially the youth of the nation.

An address by Mr. Alvin C. Daniell applauded the efforts of the Calypsonians this year. He stated that he admired the fact that the chosen Calypsonians were able to convey serious messages in their songs without sacrificing the infectious rhythm that is synonymous with Trinidad and Tobago.

Also, Mr. Daniell mentioned that the idea of the “Red, White and Black” title was partly due to the success of the Soca Warriors football squad. Since then, these colours have become synonymous, not only with the football team but with Trinidad and Tobago as well.

Mr. Daniell also informed the gathering about the purpose of the chosen Calypsos. He explained that the songs, which deal with issues such as gun control, HIV/AIDS, violence and crime, parenthood and other issues, were selected by a panel drawn by members of the ENAIS. These Calypsos, he said, were important for people to listen to and to learn from in an effort to improve the country.

Mr. Daniell also noted that this CD is considered a collector’s item and would be appreciated for a lifetime. It can also be used as an educational tool for those who wish to study the messages of the artistes on the compilation. The CD, “Goodwill Ambassadors of the Red, White and Black” is already available and next year’s project, a vintage collection of positive message songs, is already in the works.

Mr. Eric Butler, the Acting Director of Culture, briefly shared a few words with the gathering. He said that he was happy to be involved in such a task, which he sees as critical to the survival and propagation of the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. On behalf of the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, he stated that they support the project fully. He then congratulated the artistes whose songs were selected on the compilation.

His Excellency, Dr. Roy Austin, US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, one of the initiators of the project also expressed the fact that this CD is the realization of a substantial product after five years of painstaking efforts, and can be of great value to society. He spoke about being influenced by several Trinbagonian and Vincentian Calypso artistes such as Kitchener, Sparrow, Becket, Duke, Melody and Sandra and how that catapulted him to become involved in this worthwhile project. He finally thanked the various contributors to the project, including the tremendous work of Alvin Daniel and the Board of Trustees.

To end the brief ceremony, Mr. Alvin Daniel made presentations to the four artistes on the CD present out of thirteen: Karene Asche, Sean Daniel, Johnny King and Explainer.

Presentations were also made to Mr. Eric Butler and Mr. Sirdar Graves, (Ms. Karene Asche’s manager), for their contributions.

Goodwill Messengers CD Launch in pictures:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2545