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October 2013 |
The Break the Silence Initiative seeks to raise awareness of child sexual abuse and incest, break the stigma and shame surrounding the issue, and to promote the revision of related child protection policies and programmes in T&T. Funds from the Half-Marathon would support the spread of the awareness-raising campaign (wall billboards during the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, Nov 25 to Dec 10, 2013) as well as to put related audio material (a seven-episode soap opera) on the radio. 1. As a child, what did you want to be as an adult? I wanted to be in entertainment. I was quite a chatterbox and I love to entertain my family, once mum, sis and cousins were laughing I felt happy. I’m living my childhood ambition and it’s all good I describe it as a specialized field that one must have a natural knack for. It’s one that you could study for, but I think one must have a passion for it to bring quality entertainment to the table. 4. How has life changed for you since the runaway success of Palance in 2010? It made me more visible and put me on the radar of a wider cross-section of locals, especially mature folks and extremely young children, so I’ve made it my business to conduct my business in a respectful and cordial manner since more people are looking on, especially the children. 5. What would you say made the video for it such a huge hit? Its creativity, authenticity and innocence. Because I’ve built a beautiful relationship with UWI over the years, the staff and Campus Principal really make me feel at home so I’ll always support any venture the campus is bringing to its students and supporters. 9. You’ve been a great supporter of UWI events, and students love it when you host them on campus. What do you think makes them so hyped? 10. Running 13.1 miles in a half-marathon is not easy at all, what’s your plan should you run out of steam? This year, as part of the special commemoration of this tenth year, a number of symbolic changes have been made. Registration will be open to the first 1010 runners; and the race gets going a bit earlier, starting at 10 minutes to six. The focus in this tenth year is giving; giving to charitable organisations, and 10 people were invited to champion 10 charities and to encourage the public, as well as staff and students to contribute $10 towards one of these people and the money would go towards their chosen charity. Anyone can donate, even as groups, organizations, faculties; because the aim is to support the marathon and its related charities. Contributions can be made until November 15. |
Jason “JW” Williams is a Trinidadian television and radio personality. He is one of the voices behind the Red Hot Morning Show on radio station Red 96.7 FM, and hosts the popular local primetime television programme “Synergy Nights.” He is also a soca artiste, most famously known for the 2010 hit “Palance,” with Ancil ‘Blaze’ Isaac Jr. JW’s chosen charity is Break the Silence, whose role and tireless cause he considers a crucial element in today’s society. His personal credo is “once you can believe it you can achieve it,” a testimony to the success he has achieved in his career.