STUDENTS of schools in east Port of Spain and Morvant were told to remain focused on their live and career goals and to avoid distractions from negative influences.
They were not given this sage advice from school deans, teachers or principals but from two of Jamaica's most recognisable conscious reggae artistes Sizzla Kalonji and Capleton who visited several schools on Thursday morning.
[caption id="attachment_987374" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Sizzla with some students at the Rose Hill RC Primary School. PHOTO BY ROGER JACOB -[/caption]
Sizzla, whose real name is Miguel Orlando Collins, and Capleton, real name Clifton George Bailey, are expected to perform at the Kings of the Earth concert at the Queen's Park Savannah on Saturday night alongside Anthony B, Cocoa Tea, Queen Omega and Kushite.
Accompanied by their entourage and heavily armed Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) police, Sizzla and Capleton began their visit at the Rose Hill RC Primary School, La Coulee Street, east Port of Spain.
[caption id="attachment_987373" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Excited students raise their hands in response to a question asked by Jamaican reggae artistes Capleton and Sizzla on Thursday. PHOTO BY ROGER JACOB -[/caption]
On October 31, students and teachers at this school had to lie on the floor of their classrooms as warring gangs shot at each other in the area.
Speaking with reporters outside the school, Sizzla said he heard about the incident and wanted to visit the school to spread the message of positivity through music, to the students.
"I wanted to spread the message of Rastafari reaching out to the people, reaching out to the people in the diaspora and reminding them of our oneness, despite the whole situation, despite the crime and violence and distractions and all those stuff. We are one black people and we should be conscious of that.
[caption id="attachment_987372" align="alignnone" width="1024"] WORD OF ADVICE: Reggae artiste Capleton interacts with students during the tour on Thursday of several schools in east Port of Spain and Morvant. PHOTO BY ROGER JACOB -[/caption]
"Don't be easily distracted, stay focused, know what you want in life, know where you're at and get it done.
"We're making a visit today at the Rose Hill RC School to see the kids, you never know what can happen, they may have a few questions, I may sing a song and give some words of inspiration," Sizzla said.
Asked his thoughts on the gun battle that led to the students taking cover, Sizzla said it was a cause for concern and he felt it was indicative of a greater need by government to address the concerns of depressed communities.
"We need to attend to the needs of the people and and assist them so they can be more comfortable to avoid any violence because we all know education is the key, there are people doing what they are doing with crime and violence and firing guns to disturb children in studying yet still they're doing it, so somethi
