BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - "THERE is a saying, which says that music is a balm that helps to soothe a broken sprit. In other words, music is what helps you to feel better when you are feeling down."
So said former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports Lloyd Lazaar, who was at the time delivering the feature address to the attendees of Winston 'Zack' Nibett's Fife, Banjo, Quatro and Guitar Workshop.
Lazaar spoke to the attendees, whose ages this year ranged from four to 63 years, about the importance of music to everyone; be it playing an instrument, singing or just listening, adding that "a lot of us love music because when we hear music it helps us to feel good".
He said there are times when adults get into a saddened state and music is one of the things that help to bring them back to their normal state of mind, thus soothing the broken spirit.
"Sometimes when we as adults feel sad, one of the things we do is listen to music. Everybody can't play music and so you young people must realise how very important playing music is because, as you grow older, it can help to soothe the broken spirit because sometimes we get sad internally…depressed."
He explained the meaning of depressed and encouraged the children not to give up on playing their instruments because they could help to lift them from any gloomy state they may enter or even if they feel upset.
He further explained that music also helps to bring money into the Federation, giving an example of when tourists come into the island via cruise ships.
"If you look at the television you will see that on the TV news there is the cultural component, and music is an integral part of our culture because when the ships dock at Porte Zante we have music there for the tourists to be entertained, which they enjoy very much and, as we play our music, they give us money."
The former Permanent Secretary encouraged the students not to give up on playing their instruments, noting that he would like to see some of them grow up to become musicians and even teach music.
"In the next couple of years I would like to see some of you playing music, not just here at Zack's workshops but also on the television, doing some voice recordings and having fun, and teaching our young people as well, because music is important to each and every one of us."
Lazaar encouraged the students to take the training they are receiving at the workshop very seriously, as they are in the process of learning to play important instruments.
"People around the entire world respect musicians," he said.
He quoted the Special Olympics motto: "Let me win but if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt", and reminded the participants that no one is perfect and that no matter what, they should always try to do the best they could.
Lazaar said that the work Zack has been doing with the children, and even the adults that are attending his workshop, is very important and that he should be commended for keeping that aspect of the nation’s culture alive.
