The Laventille Youth Facility is abuzz with grassroots groups and well-known musicians/artists preparing for a three-day festival. Local artists and musicians will use the message of music to raise awareness and funds to fight the scourge of AIDS devastating the world's children.

According to Council chairman Trevor Mc Meo: "The East-West corridor is heavily hit with high rates of HIV, so when OWB Caribbean Event Coordinator Josanne Leonard approached us to get involved, we jumped on board immediately. Rather than always seeking help, this will be an opportunity for the people of Belmont, Laventille, Sea Lots, Morvant and surrounding areas to raise funds for children with AIDS and to give."

"This will also be an opportunity for our artists and communities to network with other artists and international personalities and bands via the OWB website." Musicians include Clive "Zanda" Alexander, Mike Boothman, Brother Resistance, Felicia "Sister C" Layne, Zuka "Bazuka" Olufemi, Stephen "Shines" Sampson, Martin "Chalo" Williams, Hollis Peters (aka Brother Book), Plannase, De Sanchman, and RAPPORT. Their event.

Cynthia Milan, secretary of the Laventille Drug Abuse Demand Reduction Committee (LDADRC), one of the key volunteer organisations, says: "In many of the calypso competitions for youth in the area this year, we've noticed that the 'jump and wave' calypsos are taking a back seat to serious songs on AIDS and crime. It's clear that a national consciousness is awakening, and we must tap into it now."

Caribbean events coordinator, Josanne Leonard, sees other communities and organizations in T&T and the region encouraged to follow the lead set by the East Port-of-Spain Council of Community Organizations. Sponsors in the corporate community, charitable organzations, community groups, artists and anyone willing to support the East Port-of-Spain Council of Community Organizations in this volunteer effort can contact Trevor Mc Meo or Mark André Augustus (phone 624-2681 or 624-8829) or Josanne (phone 633-3397).

To sign up for OWB events, go here (closing date March 10th).

Other OWB activities in Trinidad and Tobago