"Let's save sweet T&T". That was the message from Talia Jackson, the EMA's new Eco-Song winner. Jackson was among the ten finalists who sang on the competition's theme - Water, Life and the Environment. The Finals and Prize giving ceremony was held in the CLR James Auditorium at the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies on Wednesday November 11th, 2009.

In addition to the challenge trophy, Jackson, of Barrackpore West Secondary School, proudly walked away with the 1st Prize trophy, a 16GB Ipod Nano and a Keyboard package for her school. Reena Rajkumar of Parvati Girls' Hindu College came a close second with her calypso"I thank you", Rajkumar, who placed first in last year's competition, won an 8GB Ipod Nano, a guitar package for her school and a trophy. Performing a Rapso entitled "Wat a Madness" with drums and steelpan accompaniment, Clar Francis of East Mucurapo Secondary School took home the 3rd place trophy, a 4 GB MP4 Player and an African drum set for her school.

Speaking at the finals yesterday, Managing Director/CEO of the EMA, Dr. Joth Singh, admitted that while the Eco-Song competition is very young, the EMA is increasingly recognizing its potential not only in student development, but in the crafting of messages and platforms for wider use in the promotion of sound environmental practices and values. He also praised the students for creatively exploring the relationships between water quality, environmental sustainability and the quality of life in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the Chief Judge, Vivian Joseph, Environmental Programme Officer 1 of the EMA, "The competition was of a high standard and this was because of the EMA's preparatory workshop for the finalists. All the judges were impressed with how the students seriously took the advice given by the musical mentors; Chris Garcia, Jervae Caesar and Winsie-Ann Cuffie. As Chris Garcia predicted, they made it very difficult for the judges in their deliberations."

Senior Education Officer with the EMA, Tisha Marajh sang high praises of the competition and of the schools' support. "With this competition, the EMA hopes to instill in these participants a desire to change their world and more specifically their country. This intent to motivate change requires ambition, passion, creativity and dedication, all of which is the foundation on which this competition lies. Students were given the challenge to create musical messages that will hopefully speak to their peers, families and teachers about the importance of conserving the environment for future generations."

Eco-Song is aimed at encouraging students to become more involved in environmental issues and eventually encourage them to start to change their actions towards the environment. Even though the competition is in its second year, it has caught the attention of students, parents, teachers and musicians alike, who have all shown their support by changing their attitude and actions for a better environment.

SWEET VICTORY: 1st place winner Talia Jackson, of Barrackpore West Secondary School, receives her prize from Dr. Joth Singh CEO/MD of the EMA.

ECO-CHAMPION: 2nd place winner and defending champion Reena Rajkumar, of Parvati Girls' Hindu School, gave another stellar performance with her calypso "I Thank You".

SHINING STARS: 3rd place winner Clar Francis along with backup singers and musicians from East Mucurapo Secondary School wowed the audience with an excellent all-round performance.