To preach the Gospel everywhere and to use music. That is the aim of the National Gospel Competition 2006 organised by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR).

The CCR called a press function at Archbishop’s House, July 7, to launch the competition Chariots of Sound, Winds of Praise and to announce the winners of a jingle and a logo competition, meant to assist in the promotion of the Gospel competition.

Archbishop Edward Gilbert commended the organisers of the project, which is geared in a particular way to youth—although not exclusively so. Music of various genres are invited with the hope that “people will be encouraged to focus their energies and talents on uplifting the name of the Lord,” said the CCR release.

Maureen Jennings was declared winner of the Jingle Competition with her composition The Glory of Praise and 11-year-old Rayya Andrews, a pupil of Sacred Heart Girls’ RC, was awarded a special prize for her entry in the logo competition.

Although many persons entered the Logo Competition “the judges were unable to choose a clear winner as the criteria was not met,” the CCR said. Archbishop Gilbert and Episcopal Delegate for Education Hazel Reis distributed prizes.

Preliminaries of the Gospel competition will begin on September 9 in the North and continue at various locations across Trinidad and Tobago. Entries will be judged on presentation, originality, rendition, lyrics and melody. This is the second event of its kind to be hosted by the CCR. In 1999 it hosted a “Gospelypso Competition”.

The Ministry of Community Development and Gender Affairs has given its support to the project and a website www.freewebs.com/chariotsofsound/ has been created to assist with the promotion of the event.