The Tribune

THE US Embassy and the Bahamas National Drug Council have announced the launch of the first "Youth Express" essay, rap and poetry competition.

The purpose of the contest is to encourage students throughout the Bahamas to consider the harmful impact of illegal drugs and reflect on how they can resist negative peer pressure and act as leaders against drugs in their community.

The programme is part of a continuing partnership between the US Embassy, the Bahamas National Drug Council and the National Anti-Drug Secretariat to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and foster the development of young leaders in the Bahamas.

Students throughout the Bahamas ages 12-14 are encouraged to participate in the contest by submitting their work by March 1.

Essays should be 300-500 words, typed, doubled spaced and in 14 font.

Rap pieces and spoken word poetry performances should last 2-4 minutes, and must include typed lyrics and a video of the performance submitted on DVD, as a MP3 file or a link to a YouTube page.

Submissions will be judged on several criteria including the strength of the narrative, creativity, technical execution, and applicability to the theme.

Selected finalists will participate in a National Summer Youth Leadership Camp and will be given a unique opportunity to attend National Geographic's photo camp scheduled for this fall at the Island School in Cape Eleuthera.

Top finalists will also receive digital cameras and be featured in the government's National Drug Demand Reduction Campaign - "Drugs and Crime are a Waste of Time."

Submissions are due March 1. Students should submit their essay, rap, or spoken word poetry via email to YouthExpress2012@BahamasNDC.org.

Entries can be sent by mail to the BNDC addressed to: Dr Bridgette Rolle, administrator, the Bahamas National Drug Council, Royal Victoria Gardens, PO Box N-9248.

Although DVDs and MP3s will be accepted, YouTube is the preferred method for submitting video performances.

You Tube submissions should include the full name of the competition in the title of the video - "Bahamian Youth Expression Against Drugs Competition."

Additional details are available on the embassy's website, http://nassau.usembassy.gov; the Bahamas National Drug Council's website, http://www.BahamasNDC.org; the BNDC's Facebook page, or by calling (242) 325-4633/4634.