The business community of Region Six has congratulated Berbician Gail Ann Singh on her achievement of winning the inaugural Bollywood segment of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Jingle and Song competition at the Albion Sports Complex last Friday night.
Gail Ann Singh with family members
Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President, Imran Hamid in a brief congratulatory note urged the nations’ young people to take a page out of Singh’s book as the young lady persevered with her unique style of singing in spite of criticisms and was able to once again put Berbice in the headlines, and in the process made a name for herself. He challenged other youngsters who have a singing voice not to hide it but “be like Singh” and come out in their numbers this year and audition for the annual competition hosted by the telephone company.
Speaking to the youths in Berbice, Hamid lamented the wasted lives some pursue and urged them to make an attempt at the competition because of the splendid opportunity of becoming a star and transforming their lives.
Further, he complimented GT&T on the initiative and called for the establishment of an exhibition centre where events of this nature to expose young talents could be held. Singh was encouraged to be herself and not alter her unique style of singing.
The telecommunications giant, GT& T came in for much praise from the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development for their commitment and dedication to develop the lives of young people in Guyana.
President of the chamber operating out of New Amsterdam, Imran Saccoor in a statement, said GT& T has opened a gateway of opportunities to the many young and talented performers in both the Bollywood and English segments of the Jingle and Song competition.
He is hoping that the competition would raise the standard of the music industry in Guyana.
Saccoor said the chamber applauds both Singh and Harding for their achievements, and hoped that they will continue to excel in the music industry. The chamber is also making a call for Region Six to have modern indoor centres or facilities equal to that of the National Cultural Centre.
The president of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vishnu Doerga also in a statement echoed similar sentiments as his colleagues, stating that the group recognises the achievement of Singh, and the effort by GT& T in creating the opportunity for young talents to emerge.
On Friday night, from a field of 11 competitors which was eventually narrowed down to five, Gail Ann Singh from Rose Hall Town was announced the winner by GT& T Chief Executive Officer, Yog Mahadeo. Joel Feroze copped second place while Gowardai Pooran, Prakash Sadaram and Kamal Rattan were placed third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Singh, who is well known in the Hindu circle in Berbice and beyond works as a nursing assistant at a private clinic on the Corentyne operated by her mentor, Dr Ramesh Sugrim.
Dr Sugrim related that the young lady has been attending the Port Mourant Vedic Mandir since she was about 12, and there she emerged as a very talented bajan singer.
According to Dr Sugrim, in October last year, Singh won the national Karaoke competition held at the National Stadium, and recently travelled to Holland and Suriname for singing appointments.
Speaking to Guyana Times International after being declared winner, a breathless Singh was bubbling with excitement.
“Oh my God, its sheer excitement… I’m so excited, oh my God… I don’t even know what to say, honestly, I’m so excited… I did my best… I put my best into this competition… it was very challenging because while I was on the stage waiting for the results I wasn’t sure who the winner would have been but I have to say thanks to God and everyone that supported me.”
Family members and well wishers flocked the home town girl extending their congratulations to her as about 10,000 fans flocked the Albion Community Centre Ground to witness the event.
GT&T CEO, Yog Mahadeo in an interview after the event said he was elated by the turnout, noting that the event was a promise delivered to Berbicians.
At the event, the 11 finalists entertained the crowd with singing and dancing and were supported by the Ishara Dance Troupe along with an emerging troupe of dancers from West Coast of Berbice.
Winner of the English segment Brandon Harding wooed the crowd with several tunes on his first ever visit to Berbice. The incentives for first place were similar to that awarded to the winners of the English segment, notably one motor car, one and half year of endorsed contracts and recording/ production opportunities. The second place winner also received endorsed contracts plus Gy$ 500,000; while the third, fourth and fifth place contestants received cash prizes to the tune of Gy$ 250,000, Gy$ 100,000 and Gy$ 50,000 respectively.
In addition, each finalist received a free BlackBerry Curve handset, compliments of GT&T.
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