Introduction
This report serves to give an overview of the successful completion of Season 2 of “ROOTS” Poetry Slam “I Have Something to Say!; held from Friday 27th – Sunday 29th March 2009 at the Audio Visual Room of the National Libraries and Information System Authority, Hart and Abercromby Streets, Port of Spain.

Overview of Season 2
As Spiritual Shouter Baptist prepare to commemorate the memory of their struggle for and repeal of the Shouters Prohibition Ordinance of 1917 with Spiritual Shouter Baptist Liberation Day on Monday 30th March; on Friday 27th March, ten young poets converged at the Audio Visual Room at the National Libraries and Information System Authority, NALIS to participate in Season 2 of “ROOTS” Poetry Slam “I Have Something to Say!”

As our Government prepares to host the 5th Summit of the Americas “Securing Our Citizens’ Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability”; on Sunday 29th March, seven young poets displayed energy, experience and the capacity to take “ROOTS” to the next level.

This weekend was a memorable one, not only for the participants, but for the entire audience who were left spellbound by the exhilarating performances of our innovative youth. The performances over the weekend were of a very high standard, as the judges and the audience had an insurmountable task of selecting the poet deserving of being called “RPS” Champion and “RPS” People’s Choice.

The poets, whose ages ranged from sixteen to twenty-four, came from Bethel Village, Tobago; Bon Air, Cascade, Lopinot, Petit Valley, San Juan, St. Barbs, St. James and Wallerfield, Trinidad. Over the three days they performed three poems; with two at the Grand Finals, a new piece and one of their choice from the Prelims or Semis. The event was fortunate to attract the legendary Brother Resistance and other distinguished poets; Gama Ghost, Cheryl Griffith, Akilah Riley, Curious Ringo, Nicholas Sosa and Anna Sahadeo of the Poets Society of T&T. Both Curious Ringo and Gama Ghost performed to the delight of all present at the Semi Finals and Grand Finals respectively.

Challenges
Like the Spiritual Shouter Baptist, Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” also faces the challenge of being accepted by the wider society, especially corporate Trinidad and Tobago. Taking into consideration the global financial crisis coupled with the lack of recognition of our efforts to promote our oral traditions, Season 2 was not funded and as such we are in a deficit. Our cost for prizes and technical services are outstanding, through the Grace and Mercy of the Creator coupled with our reputation we were given credit on the trophies, medals and technical services.

Conclusion
All praise is due to the Creator, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. If man cannot show gratitude to man, he cannot show gratitude to the Creator. On behalf of Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to our success. Season 2 of “ROOTS” Poetry Slam “I Have Something to Say!” was indeed a very successful event, the standard of both poetry and performances were exceptional and spectacular. As “ROOTS” continue to revive the lost oral traditions of our Ancestors; by sensitizing the community of the need to continue this tradition; by providing a medium for the expressions of talented poets; by providing educative and informative readings; we ask you to journey with us as we prepare to host Season 3 of “ROOTS” Poetry Slam “I Have Something to Say!” “The Revival of Our Oral Traditions, Ensures the Continuance of Our Legacy”.

“ROOTS” Stands for Developing Innovative People
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