The only thing that matters in this life, on a practical level, is the use of your God given abilities to showcase to the world who and where you come from. Each and everyone of us has a story that needs to be told and this can only be told through the use of our ability and/or abilities. It is said if you have one ability, don't grudge on others who have more than one, just make good use of the ability that you have and build on it. If you have an ability and you make the personal choice not to put it to good use, you will most likely lose it so let us start using our gifts. We can build ourselves with it and the community by extension. Another key aspect in having gifts is in the ability to elevate those skills but in other to do that one must put in work and lots of practice. Take for example, persons who love to paint. If they stop painting for a while, the sense of touch that they had will deplete and this to me is like losing your gift but if you continue to use it, you will get better at it and that's a fact. We all have been born with different skills and abilities to fend for ourselves. Some are gifted in art while others are gifted in science matters or mathematical calculations and the list goes on. Whatever it is, you should be grateful that you have it and use it to the best of your ability.
Speaking of ability, the Caribbean Islands are laced with great talent and people. However, in some of these Islands, there isn't much of a medium for individuals, especially the young ones, to showcase themselves so they most likely end up quitting. Although, this may be very saddening, but what else can be done? Many have tried and many have failed to succeed because they simply do not have the means. Personally, I believe where there is a will there is a way so remain optimistic. I always keep an optimistic view point that reality has room for me and you. We just have to keep at it and never give up.
I am sure that most, if not all of us, have heard of shows like American Idol, X-Factor, Britain/America Got Talent and so many other events where they showcase talent. In the Caribbean there is something called, 'Digicel Rising Star' that has a similar output to the bigger events held but in the majority of things, only one person can come out victorious. We had persons like Tarina Simon, Dwane Husbands and Christopher Martin who came out victorious in this competition and some are already on their way to the international forums in music. In the bigger events, even though one does not win the competition but he or she still gets the opportunity to do bigger and better things and are given the same opportunities to that of the winner. Jennifer Hudson did not win American Idol but she is a head runner today because of her powerful voice. However, it is different in the Caribbean because only the winner seems to get all the benefits, sometimes. It is for this cause that the N.O.N Promotions' created the Possie Got Talent Show. Taking place in the Portsmouth community, it gave the youth a chance to demonstrate their skills and abilities to their community.
Although there was not any competition of sorts or monetary gain like that of the big shows but, it was a chance to get some exposure and possibly be called to do different gigs amongst the community and neighbouring communities. Different artists, singers and dancers all came out to the Arbeedee Cinema and put on a good show for the crowd gathered. This show definitely brought back some spark to those who neglected their gifts and motivated them to get back on track. Wonderful performances and contributions by the performers of the Talent Show.
OH! but for the sweet love of calypso... for we are gathered here today brothers and sistrens, for yet another year of what may seem to have been an unbelievable journey thus far. The 365 days has passed since the last Calypso Finals and I think most people will agree with me when I say, "For it is by his grace we have made it through! Hallelujah" Dominica is now well within its post election season and our calypsonians are taking no prisoners when it comes to love of country. And for those of you who may not know, calypso sheds great light on what goes on in a country, through music and melody, and sometimes there is comedy involved as well. A simple play on words, a little dabbling on the fences of our (...Oh so dear...) leaders and a little troublemaking can be as a result of this competition. 9 calypsonians have been selected to challenge the crown of the 9 times calypsonian king, King Dice... so you know all gears are on! King Dice is definitely one of, if not the toughest contender in this arena so he is definitely one to beat. I mean... 9 crowns says a lot, but who knows, in this chess game, the Queen may just give up her King! Now we saw the power of the contenders at the Semi Finals, and we are going to see them charge head first against the best of the "bestest" and amongst each other. Ten well able-bodied calypsonians, armed with their gut, stage presence, lyrical content and a few props to tell a story, but only one will emerge victorious here at the Windsor Park Calypsonian Octagon. 
