Passion, purpose and poetry came together as the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services hosted its 2025 Spoken Word Competition Prize Distribution Ceremony in commemoration of the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The initiative was spearheaded by the Ministry’s Social Investigations Division, which continues to lead efforts to engage young people on issues of national significance.
Held under the theme :“Poverty has a face, a name, and an address”, the competition invited young people aged 14 to 18 to respond to the topic “Ending social and institutional maltreatment: acting together for a just, peaceful, and inclusive Trinidad and Tobago by 2030.” Between March 18 and April 30, 2025 the Ministry received 28 powerful submissions from 19 secondary schools across the country.
In delivering feature remarks at today’s event, the Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, offered her warmest congratulations and praised the sincerity of each contribution, stating that “as you celebrate your victory, know that the Ministry will continue to engage you. Your voices are essential to the national conversation, and we look forward to working together as we advance our mission to eradicate poverty and build a more inclusive Trinidad and Tobago.”
Four exceptional students were awarded for their compelling work:
- 1st Place: Jedaiah Joseph – Queen’s Royal College
- 2nd Place: Zayne Bissoon – Presentation College, San Fernando
- 3rd Place (tie): Aatish Maniram – Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College
- 3rd Place (tie): Semira Bradshaw – Bishop Anstey High School
These spoken word pieces revealed the honesty and conviction of a generation using their voice for change. The competition forms part of the Ministry’s wider efforts under the National Poverty Reduction Strategy to engage the public and advance national development goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goal to end poverty by 2030.
The Minister thanked the Ministry of Education, adjudicators and all partners whose support helped ensure meaningful youth participation from across the country. As these young poets continue to inspire action, the Ministry remains committed to creating inclusive platforms that empower citizens and drive social transformation.