Minister of Youth Affairs, Stephen Lashley, showing Calypso Queen, Aziza Clarke, some of the features of the Lenovo laptop during the presentation yesterday at the Ministry of Culture Sports and Youth. (C.Pitt/BGIS)
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has invested in one of this country’s promising young female calypsonians.
During a presentation at his Ministry’s headquarters in Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, Youth Affairs Minister, Stephen Lashley, presented Barbados’ youngest Pic-O-De-Crop winner, 21-year-old Aziza Clarke, with a laptop computer, desk printer and laptop bag, all of which are intended to assist the reigning Calypso Queen with her work.
In an interview with the Barbados Government Information Service, Mr. Lashley noted that through previous discussions, he discovered the young performer could greatly benefit from having a laptop, and so thought it best to see how the Ministry could assist.
“Aziza falls within the youth age cohort of the Ministry of Youth Affairs…she is really one of our stars…I believe that the Ministry and the youth department should have responded, and they responded through our assistance programme,” he explained.
During the presentation, Mr. Lashley expressed the hope that the Ministry’s move to assist Ms. Clarke would be seen as a good example for others to follow, so that the future needs of other artistes might be met.
He also expressed the hope that the Youth Division of the Ministry would developed a closer working relationship with Aziza, adding that with the singer’s talents, the Division could reach more young people in a more non-traditional way.
Echoing his sentiments, the “One People, One Nation” singer said it was her goal to, with the Ministry’s help, impact young women positively and encourage them to join the field of calypso.
While thanking the Ministry for its support, the reigning Calypso Queen added that she was also looking forward to one day writing her own music.
jamal.weekes@barbados.gov.bb