Port-of-Spain, Trinidad: November 29, 2016: It was jubilation galore as students of St. Francois Girl’s College, Belmont, triumphed over Presentation Collage, Chaguanas to capture the title of this year’s Republic Bank and The Emancipation Support Committee (ESC) National African History Quiz Competition. The finals took place on November 19, at the Bank’s head office in Port of Spain.
The competition which could only be described as nail-biting, had both the audience and the participants at the edge of their seats. The College Girls displayed diligence, persistence and determination from the first round, so it came as no surprise when they received the judges’ nod at the end.
In an interview team captain, Adela Scotland said preparing for the quiz was a challenging experience for both herself and her classmates, but they were determined to give it their all.
“We learned a lot. There was so much history we never knew existed, but we put our heads together and did a lot of work,” Adela said. Asked how it felt to be the champions of the competition, she added, “It’s an amazing feeling having won again, because our school won the first time the competition was introduced five years ago.” First time participants, Presentation College, Chaguanas had to settle for second place, while third and fourth positions were awarded to, St. Joseph’s Convent, Port-of-Spain and Arima Central Secondary School, former winners of the competition.
In the spoken word segment of the competition, the four finalist all did their own renditions of some of the calypsoes from way back when, which included calypsonians like; The Mighty Sparrow, Singing Sandra and Brother Valentino.
Taking first place in the competition was Irita Bhagwansingh of St. Anthony’s Girls’ RC School. She received the Pearl Eintou Springer Challenge Trophy along with cash and non cash prizes. Second position went to Subhana Roberts of St. Nicolas Primary School, Scarborough, Tobago, while Shanniah Le Blanc and Jiniyah Phillips, took third and fourth positions respectively. They represented Arima Central Government Primary School and Diego Government Primary School.
The Republic Bank and Emancipation Support Committee National African History Quiz and Spoken Word Competition, which is in its 5th year, is in recognition of National African History month and the recently concluded Calypso Month. The competition which ran for six weeks was aimed at engaging young people while bringing African culture alive in our twin-island. The judges for the African History Quiz were; One Piankhi, Wendy Mc Kenzie and Dr. Yvonne Bobb Smith, while Damien Whiskey, Terry Woodsley and Sharon Dos Santos judged the Spoken Word segment.
The competition was chaired by television and radio personality, Verne ‘Antix’ Extravour.
Through the Bank’s Power to Make a Difference Programme, Republic Bank remains committed to the development of our youth through education, sports and culture. The Bank congratulate all the schools that took part in the competition and wish them every success in their future academic endeavors.
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