One 'last call' is being sounded by the organizers of this year's National Song competition. The deadline for the competition sponsored by the National Celebrations Commission in association with Atlantic International Bank is closing in fast, and that's why NICH's Shari Williams chose today to issue the final reminder that next Wednesday is the last day to submit entries.

Shari Williams
"The national song competition which is an annual event that is hosted by the national celebrations commission along with NICH - showcases Belizean performing artists and musicians - it entails original songs along with original beats. This year like many years before we are inviting artists to submit in their songs. Some of them have been working on songs all year long; some of them are just in the act of putting it together. We are inviting them to send it in. The deadline is August 10th. This year we are having two categories both carnival and patriotic songs - it could be fast - it could be slow as well as a junior and a senior category. We are having over $18,000 in prizes. First prize is $4,000. Second place is $2,500. Third place is $1,500 and these come with along with a trophy as well as $200 gift certificate in a recording studio. While I have the opportunity I will also invite parents, high school and sixth form students to come out Saturday afternoon at the BTALCO parking lot. It's going to be right in front of Taverns at #1 Mapp Street. What we are doing is having a book exchange - we had it last weekend and the weekend before that and a lot of parents have been calling in requesting one more week so this Saturday at the BTALCO parking lot we are inviting people to bring books - texts books, 6th form books, high schools books and we exchange or we have them available at a very low cost. Last weekend was a huge success - we had a lot of parents, a lot of students out there with their books and we are doing it one final time - this is the last Saturday so we are inviting parents to come out and bring your books and come with your book list."

The book exchange will start from 1 to 5 PM at the BTALCO parking lot. Just a quick note regarding the Song competition, there is no age limitation for both the Junior and Senior category. Once again, the deadline for submitting entries is next Wednesday, August 10th. You can either e.mail the entry to [email protected] or drop them off at the Bliss.

Channel 7