The recent disqualification of our daughter Ezeka Minty from the finals of the Children’s Mashramani Calypso competition has left us, as parents, deeply disappointed and disheartened. We have watched our child pour her heart and soul into this calypso, dedicating countless hours to perfecting this art and preparing for this momentous event. She had to wake up very early in the morning to travel to Georgetown for rehearsals on two occasions and then to hear she was disqualified from the competition. To see her hard work and talent go unrecognized due to some persons seeing it as political and not age-appropriate is truly disheartening.
As parents, we have always encouraged our child to pursue her passion for music and showcase her talent to the world. We have witnessed the joy and fulfilment that music brings to her life. To have her chance at the National competition taken away in such a manner was a blow not only to our child, who became ill for two days after hearing that she was disqualified, but also to our entire family. It hurt even more when our child wanted to know if she was disqualified because people did not like her.
We understand that rules and regulations are put in place for a reason, but as parents, we would never have allowed our child to participate in this competition if we had felt in some way that this song was political or not suitable for her age. However, we cannot help but feel a sense of injustice and disappointment at the outcome. Our child deserved the opportunity to compete in the final, and to be recognised for her talent and dedication.
Despite this setback, we remain proud of our baby, our princess, our young Calypsonian our Champion, and all that she has achieved thus far. We will continue to support and encourage her in her musical endeavours, knowing that her passion and talent will shine through regardless of any obstacles she may face. As parents, we will stand by our child, offering love, guidance, and unwavering support as she navigates this disappointment and emerges stronger and more determined than ever before.
First and foremost, special thanks to God for guiding us through this disappointment. Additionally, special thanks to the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and to the overseas-based Guyanese family who has offered to supply Ezeka with yearly school supplies, members of our family, our schools and Church family and to all other persons near and far who would have reached out to us. It is indeed heartening. Your love, support and positive comments were used to help to motivate her.
Thank you. God’s Blessings.
Ezra and Adele Minty (PARENTS)
Watch pretty Ezeka performs her Calypso
